What are Dissociative Disorders?
Dissociative disorders involve a disconnection from memories, emotions, perceptions, behaviours and one's own identity. Symptoms can significantly affect an individual in multiple ways and can occur in anyone regardless of age, ethnicity or social status. It is estimated that around 2% of people suffer from dissociative disorders, with women being more likely to experience these issues.
Who Has Dissociative Disorders?
It is believed that trauma is the root cause of dissociative disorders in over 90% of people who develop the condition. Long-term emotional, sexual and physical abuse in childhood, as well as exposure to natural disasters, combat or violence, has been linked to these disorders. Initially developed as a coping mechanism to deal with trauma, not everyone who experiences it will suffer from dissociative symptoms. There are three types of dissociative disorders: Dissociative Amnesia, Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder and Dissociative Identity Disorder.
What are the Core Symptoms?
The core symptoms of dissociative disorders can include memory loss, out-of-body experiences, emotional detachment, lack of identity and difficulties with work, school or relationships. Additionally, mental health problems such as depression or anxiety may also be present.
People with dissociative disorders often have co-occurring mental health conditions, including:
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