Dissociative Phenomena Depersonalization
Altered Perception of Self Derealization
Altered Perception of World Common Experience
“Nor
mal
”D
isso
ciat
ion
“Nor
mal
”D
isso
ciat
ion AmnesiaAmnesia FugueFugue
Dissociative Id
entity
Dissociative Id
entity
Deperson-alizationDeperson-alization
Depersonalization or Derealization As primary issue
Causes Significant Distress Impairs Functioning Usually Runs a Chronic Course High comorbidity with depression and
anxiety
Psychogenic Memory LossGeneralized
Unable to remember anythingLocalized or Selective
Failure to recall specific eventsAssumed to be traumatic events
Related to Dissociative Amnesia Memory Loss
Specific Incident or Trigger Move to Another Location
Unaware How They Arrived Often Assume a New Identity Fugue Often Ends Abruptly
TreatmentUsually get better without
treatmentMost eventually remember what
they have forgotten
Previously Labeled Multiple Personality Disorder
Person’s Identity or Personality Is Dissociated
Adoption of Several New Identities Reported cases of 100+
Identities Display Unique Characteristics/Behavior
Terminology Alters – different identities or
personalities Host – the identity that keeps other
identities together Switch – quick transition from one
personality to another
Severe Childhood Abuse 97% of Cases Escape into Fantasy World Become Someone Else to Survive Closely Related to PTSD
High Level of Suggestibility Hypnotizability
Hypnosis Seen as a Form of Dissociation Related to DID?
TreatmentAwareness and Integration of
IdentitiesNeutralize Triggers to
Dissociation including Memories of Trauma
Similar to PTSD
Recovered Memory Syndrome False vs. Real Memories Can False Memories Be Created? Do Therapists “Plant” Memories? Consequences of the Debate