Week 11: Dissociative Disorders

Question 1

what characterizes dissociative disorders

Answer 1

disruptions in consciousness, memory and identity

Question 2

what are the three major dissociative disorders

Answer 2

1. dissociative amnesia (w subtype dissociative fugue)
2. depersonalization or derealization
3. dissociative identity disorder

Question 3

describe dissociative amnesia

Answer 3

when a person is unable to recall important personal info, usually after a stressful event

• total amnesia, forgets friends, family,
• usually the info returns after a period of time as fast as it dissapeared

within this category is the subtype dissociative fugue: this is when memory loss is even more profound and extensive so they person often assumes a new identity – typically after severe stressor
- usually short duration

Question 4

describe depersonalization or derealization

Answer 4

person’s perception or experience of themselves is disconcertingly and disruptively altered
- unusual sensory experiences
- maybe an ‘out of body’ experience
may feel mechanical
- typically triggered by stress and usually begins in adolescence

Question 5

descrbe dissociative identity disorder

Answer 5

diagnosis requires a person have at least 2 separate ego states that exist independently

• begins in childhood but rarely diagnosed until adulthood
• more common in women

Question 6

difference between schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder

Answer 6

schizo - split from reality

DID - split of personality/ identity

Question 7

etiology of dissociative identity disorder

Answer 7

2 major theories

1. trauma model of dissociation (empirical support)
2. fantasy model of dissociation (no empirical support)