DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF dissociative disordER

  Dissociation refers to a disruption or disconnect in an individual's normal integration of consciousness, memory, identity, emotion, perception, body representation, motor control, and behaviour. It is a concept widely utilised in the field of psychopathology to describe various phenomena related to altered states of consciousness. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines dissociation as the disruption, interruption, and/or discontinuity of the normal subjective integration of behaviour, memory, identity, consciousness, emotion, perception, body representation, and motor control. Dissociation can manifest in different forms, including depersonalisation (feeling detached from oneself or one's body) and derealisation (feeling disconnected from reality). Dissociation can range in severity from mild detachment, such as daydreaming, to more extreme disconnection from reality. It is often associated with trauma-related disorders like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Dissociative Disorders. Dissociative amnesia, depersonalisation, derealisation, identity confusion, and identity alterations are among the core features of dissociative psychopathology. 

Dissociative amnesia is a condition characterised by memory loss that goes beyond typical forgetfulness. Individuals with dissociative amnesia may have difficulty recalling information about themselves or events in their lives, particularly those associated with shock, distress, or pain. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines different types of memory disturbances that can occur in dissociative amnesia, including localised amnesia (failure to recall events during a specific period), selective amnesia (the ability to recall some but not all aspects of an event), and systematised amnesia (complete loss of memory in a specific category). Dissociative amnesia is often linked to traumatic or stressful experiences, leading to either partial or complete memory loss for recent events that are emotionally charged.

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a complex psychological condition characterised by the presence of two or more distinct personality states, each having its own way of perceiving and interacting with the world. DID was previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder until 1994. The condition is believed to arise as a result of severe and prolonged trauma experienced during childhood, often involving physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. DID is considered a rare disorder, and it has been reported that approximately 1.5% of the population worldwide has been diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder. Individuals with DID may experience memory gaps for everyday events, personal information, and traumatic events. These memory gaps are not consistent with normal forgetfulness and oftentimes coincide with the switch between different personality states. The disorder can cause significant impairment in various areas of functioning, including work, school, and personal relationships.

Depersonalisation/Derealisation Disorder is a psychological condition that involves feelings of detachment from oneself (depersonalisation) or the surrounding environment (derealisation). Individuals with this disorder may experience a sense of unreality or detachment, as if they are observing themselves from outside their body or living in a dream-like state. These feelings can be distressing and disruptive to daily life. Depersonalisation and derealisation episodes can vary in duration, from fleeting moments to persistent and ongoing experiences. The disorder is often associated with stress, trauma, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.