All You Need to Know About Dissociative Disorders

People who suffer from dissociative disorders, commonly known as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), experience changes in their self-image and identity, and are often unaware of the changes. They feel detached from their own bodies, emotions, and thoughts. There are different types of dissociative disorders and they can be treated.

What is Dissociative Disorder?

It is a condition where one’s identity becomes split into multiple identities. This disorder can be due to traumatic events or a mental health condition. According to the DSM-V, dissociative disorder is divided into four different categories based on the symptoms:

• Dissociative amnesia
• Dissociative fugue
• Dissociative identity disorder
• Dissociative disorder not otherwise specified (DDNOS)

Symptoms of Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative disorders are often associated with physical and emotional trauma, and it is hard to diagnose because there are no specific tests for it. However, people with dissociative disorders usually share certain characteristics, like:

• Experiencing multiple personalities, where one is dominant and another is submissive
• Being unable to recall certain memories
• Being unable to control their body or their actions
• Not being able to remember any of their past experiences
• Having problems with their identity

Causes of Dissociative Disorders

Some of the reasons for dissociative disorders include:

• Physical trauma
• Mental health conditions
• Genetic factors
• Traumatic birth experiences
• Abuse
• Drug abuse
• Emotional neglect
• Trauma
• Other causes

Treatment of Dissociative Disorders

The treatment for dissociative disorders depends on the type of the disorder. Depending on the type, the treatments can be:

• Psychotherapy
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
• Medication
• Group therapies
• Family therapy
• Individual therapy
• Support groups

Dissociative Disorders vs. Schizophrenia

Dissociative disorders are sometimes confused with schizophrenia, but there are differences. The main difference is that dissociative disorders are the result of traumatic events, while schizophrenia is caused by a mental health condition.

Dissociative Disorders vs. Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder and dissociative disorders can be mistaken for each other. However, bipolar disorder is a mental health condition, while dissociative disorders are the result of traumatic events.

Conclusion

Dissociative disorders are very common and the signs can be easily noticed, but it is hard to diagnose because of the lack of specific tests. The most important thing is to talk to your psychiatrist doctor in Bhopal and to seek help.