Understanding the Dissociative Disorders

Sens123 · Jan 29, 2009, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by January

UNDERSTANDING THE DISSOCIATIVE DISORDERS

Dissociative Amnesia
A defining characteristic of dissociative, amnesia is the inability to recall important personal information. This common dissociative disorder is regularly encountered in hospital emergency rooms and is usually caused by a single stressful event.

Dissociative Fugue
Like dissociative amnesia, dissociative, fugue also is characterized by sudden onset resulting from a single severe traumatic event. Unlike dissociative amnesia, however, dissociative fugue may involve the creation of a new, either partial or complete, identity to replace the personal details that are lost in response to the trauma.

Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder
The distinguishing characteristic of depersonalization disorder is the feeling that one is disconnected or unreal. Mind or body may be perceived as unattached, seen from a distance, existing in a dream, or mechanical.

Chronic depersonalization is commonly accompanied by "derealization," the feeling that features of the environment are illusory.

It should be noted that depersonalization as an isolated symptom may appear within the context of a wide variety of major psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, panic disorders and even depression.

Mild episodes of depersonalization have been reported following alcohol use, sensory deprivation, mild social or emotional stress or sleep deprivation, and as a side effect to medications. However, severe depersonalization is considered to be present only if the sense of detachment associated with the disorder is recurrent and predominant.

Dissociative Identity Disorder
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is the most chronic and severe manifestation of dissociation.

DID is believed to follow severe trauma including persistent psychological, physical, or sexual abuse. In this disorder, distinct, coherent identities exist within one individual and are able to assume control of the person's behavior and thought.

DID is often difficult to detect without the use of specialized interviews and/or tests, due to:
1) the hidden nature of the dissociative symptoms,
2) the coexistence of depression, anxiety, or substance abuse which may mask the dissociative symptoms.
3) it is not uncommon for a decade or more to pass before a correct assessment of DID is made.

Dissociative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
Dissociative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (DDNOS) is an inclusive category for classifying dissociative syndromes that do not meet the full criteria of any of the other dissociative disorders.

A person diagnosed with Dissociative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (DDNOS) typically displays characteristics very similar to some of the previously discussed dissociative disorders, but not severe enough to receive their diagnoses.

Our thanks to Petunia who found this information for us.

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thank you for posting this website it has helped me understand what i have...

Jan 30, 2009, 07:09 PM

You're welcome! A sticky might be a good idea! Mods?????

bipolar_bear · Jan 30, 2009, 10:29 PM

Good idea. Working on it.

BB

gordonsetter · Jan 31, 2009, 04:31 PM

Thanks, January for the info. I have been exeriencing periods of time when I leave my home and find myself somewhere else(walking or driving). I have no memory of when I left of how I got to where I end up. Sometimes I drive for hours before suddenly snapping out of it and find myself in another state. I've been doing this for the better part of 30 years.

sunnye · Mar 10, 2009, 04:28 PM

I had a flashback about two weeks ago after a traumatic experience at the ER. I never thought I had suppressed a memory. I guess I had dissociative amnesia. It was just awful. It was as real and as current as the very moment I am writing this. I was eight-years old again. Oh my god...It's too much sometimes.

Although, I did dissociate some events I was conscious of for years. As a child, I pushed the memories into the back of my mind. It was like these things happened, but they didn't happen to me. My denial saved me in a sense...I guess.

-Sunnye

amandalouise · Apr 03, 2009, 03:02 PM

I came and read the continum and the other posts in this thread when someone suggested it to me in another thread. I found that the diagnostics that I was diagnosed on was different than the continum posted here. I was diagnosed on the universal multiaxial scale and the DSM IV TR criteria. The continum posted here lists PTSD as a dissociative disorder where as the univeral standards of the multiaxial scale and the DSM IV TR only lists Depersonalization, derealization, Dissociative Amnesia, Dissocative Fugue and DID for Dissociative disorders. the continum also posted here lists ADD (attention Deficit Disorder) as a part of dissociation but the DSM IV TR and the multiaxial scale and the DSM IV TR does not. the continum also lists atypical MPD and atypical Dissociative Disorders but the universal standards of the DSM IV TR and the multiaxal scale does not have atypical MPD listed. in the multiaxial scale and the DSM IV TR the lable MPD has been changed to Dissociative Identity Disorder. Everything to do with MPD (fragmented, poly fragmented ..) is now within the one diagnostic lable.

amandalouise · Apr 03, 2009, 03:08 PM

Just in case there are others diagnosed on the multiaxal scale and the DSM IV TR ..the DSM IV TR labling says -

Diagnostic criteria for 300.6 Depersonalization Disorder

A. Persistent or recurrent experiences of feeling detached from, and as if one is an outside observer of, one's mental processes or body (e.g., feeling like one is in a dream).
B. During the depersonalization experience, reality testing remains intact.
C. The depersonalization causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
D. The depersonalization experience does not occur exclusively during the course of another mental disorder, such as Schizophrenia, Panic Disorder, Acute Stress Disorder, or another Dissociative Disorder, and is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition (e.g., temporal lobe epilepsy).

Diagnostic criteria for 300.12 Dissociative Amnesia

A. The predominant disturbance is one or more episodes of inability to recall important personal information, usually of a traumatic or stressful nature, that is too extensive to be explained by ordinary forgetfulness.
B. The disturbance does not occur exclusively during the course of Dissociative Identity Disorder, Dissociative Fugue, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Acute Stress Disorder, or Somatization Disorder and is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a neurological or other general medical condition (e.g., Amnestic Disorder Due to Head Trauma).
C. The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Diagnostic criteria for 300.13 Dissociative Fugue

A. The predominant disturbance is sudden, unexpected travel away from home or one's customary place of work, with inability to recall one's past.
B. Confusion about personal identity or assumption of a new identity (partial or complete).
C. The disturbance does not occur exclusively during the course of Dissociative Identity Disorder and is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition (e.g., temporal lobe epilepsy)
D. the symptoms cause clinical significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Diagnostic criteria for 300.14 Dissociative Identity Disorder

A. The presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states (each with its own relatively enduring pattern of perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the environment and self).
B. At least two of these identities or personality states recurrently take control of the person's behavior.
C. Inability to recall important personal information that is too extensive to be explained by ordinary forgetfulness.
D. The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., blackouts or chaotic behavior during Alcohol Intoxication) or a general medical condition (e.g., complex partial seizures). Note: In children, the symptoms are not attributable to imaginary playmates or other fantasy play.

I have not found derealization in the DSM IV TR as of yet. it may be a newer labling than my DSM IV TR book.

08:34 PM

Sorry, I wasn't trying to confuse anyone on whether or not they meet the diagnostic criteria set forth, I just thought that the articles were easier to understand for those who only wanted a clearer understanding without weeding through all the technical lingo. Mostly for those who do not have a dissociative disorder.

Perhaps, because the article does not reflect the 2000 text revision of the DSM-IV, I should ask for it to be removed?

Maybe you should contact the author and ask for an updated version to match the DSM IV TR. Here's the link.

To report errors in this electronic
transcription please contact:
peace3@juno.com

------
The Continuum of Dissociation. The lower section is an attempt to demonstrate parallels between dissociative episodes and dissocative disorders and more common physiologic and medical phenomena.
©1988, Bennett G Braun, M.D.
DISSOCIATION 1:1, March 1988

http://www.geocities.com/kidhistory/intruama.htm

amandalouise · Apr 03, 2009, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orange_Blossom

Sorry, I wasn't trying to confuse anyone on whether or not they meet the diagnostic criteria set forth, I just thought that the articles were easier to understand for those who only wanted a clearer understanding without weeding through all the technical lingo. Mostly for those who do not have a dissociative disorder.

Perhaps, because the article does not reflect the 2000 text revision of the DSM-IV, I should ask for it to be removed?

Maybe you should contact the author and ask for an updated version to match the DSM IV TR. Here's the link.

To report errors in this electronic
transcription please contact:
peace3@juno.com

------
The Continuum of Dissociation. The lower section is an attempt to demonstrate parallels between dissociative episodes and dissocative disorders and more common physiologic and medical phenomena.
©1988, Bennett G Braun, M.D.
DISSOCIATION 1:1, March 1988

http://www.geocities.com/kidhistory/intruama.htm

no need to have yours removed just because what was there didnt fit how I was diagnosed. there may be others here that can use what you posted. overall I thought the information was interesting. maybe in other countries there are the older practioners that still use the continum that you posted. if you are asking me I say leave it on the thread.

Apr 03, 2009, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amandalouise

if you are asking me I say leave it on the thread.

Sorry, I should've been clearer. The question wasn't directed at you. I kinda posed it out loud to Myself.

Elysium · Apr 03, 2009, 09:28 PM

ALERT....ALERT....ALERT....this MAY offend someone, so if you don't feel like being offended...DON'T read this!!

Well, I'll be a Monkey's Uncle!!!

Opinions, as well as hypotheses, are like ***** Holes and everybody has one!!

(That was bAAAAAAAAd) Hee Hee!!

I say that there is valid info on this post, just as there is valid info in the DSM! (But, who the hell am I anyway...?)

I also say that when doing research, whether that be about ones self, or about science, or anything in general, it is an invaluable skill to keep an open mind. I wouldn't suggest believing one thesis over another just because someone said it was so, or because it was written in a book somewhere.

The most well rounded individuals, therapists, students, psych professors keep an open mind when it comes right down to it. If the mind is closed, nothing can get in....and nothing can get out. Maybe that is a comfort to some.

My advice from my life experience....Research it all, THINK FOR YOURSELF, and form your own hypothesis....DON'T just run with what is handed to you!!!

Apr 07, 2009, 01:03 AM

Can someone explain polyfragmented DID? I don't understand the difference between that and DID. Is it about the number of alters? Sorry I don't mean to sound ignorant; I just don't understand. Thank you.

Apr 07, 2009, 01:46 AM

Yes, you're right. It is diagnosed when there are 100 or more. The systems are a bit more complex because of alters splitting, not just the core personality.

Elysium · Apr 07, 2009, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calista+12

Can someone explain polyfragmented DID? I don't understand the difference between that and DID. Is it about the number of alters? Sorry I don't mean to sound ignorant; I just don't understand. Thank you.

Great question!!

Asking questions to learn something, because you do not know, is not ignorance. Seeking out knowledge shows intelligence and wisdom.

mlyn · Apr 11, 2009, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bipolar_bear

Good idea. Working on it.

BB

Yep they say I have DID but no one not one has been able to tell me why at times when I stand at my stove and the stove seems way higher than me. Why is it bigger than me and yes I have to concentrate harder on how to make the meal. it is all bigger than me.

deliquesce · Apr 11, 2009, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orange_Blossom

Sorry, I should've been clearer. The question wasn't directed at you. I kinda posed it out loud to Myself.

wow, orange, that was actually quite rude.

Elysium · Apr 11, 2009, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deliquesce

wow, orange, that was actually quite rude.

Orange no rude!! RUDE is rude!! Liars are rude. Fake is rude. Orange protects us. You not know!!

pigsflyinair · Apr 11, 2009, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elysium3006

Great question!!

Asking questions to learn something, because you do not know, is not ignorance. Seeking out knowledge shows intelligence and wisdom.

ditto ^^^^^

Apr 12, 2009, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlyn

Yep they say I have DID but no one not one has been able to tell me why at times when I stand at my stove and the stove seems way higher than me. Why is it bigger than me and yes I have to concentrate harder on how to make the meal. it is all bigger than me.

Hi Myln

I'm not sure but maybe it happens cause you're littler that before. We get that while sitting at the table...all of a sudden we're down low and the table is too high to reach. We need a booster chair.

Elysium · Apr 12, 2009, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pigsflyinair

ditto ^^^^^

Just wanted to say Hi!!

deliquesce · Apr 12, 2009, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elysium3006

Orange no rude!! RUDE is rude!! Liars are rude. Fake is rude. Orange protects us. You not know!!

i said the statement was rude. i don't think Orange usually utters dismissive statements. Orange is usually lovely. that's why i was surprised and dismayed and that's why i said it. if i had read this thread earlier i would have also said not to take the original article down, and i would have been very upset if that statement had been directed at me afterwards.

.

Esthergirl · Apr 12, 2009, 06:28 PM

My therapist told me that I dissociate. It usually comes on me as a Depersonalization thing. Like if I'm driving, I can't "feel" the steering wheel, or if I'm typing, I can't "feel" the keys. I can't drive on the highway because I dissociate and feel as if I'm losing control of the car.

I had my first dissociative episode when I was 12 years old. I was sitting in the school auditorium and the school orchestra was playing. All of a sudden, I couldn't move, couldn't speak, couldn't hear. I tried banging my foot on the floor. A teacher saw what was happening and let me leave, when I was able to move.

I didn't get a proper diagnosis of what it was until I was in my early 30's. I was afraid to sit in classrooms, afraid to go to the theatre or concerts. I never knew when IT would happen again. It really has messed up my life.

Apr 13, 2009, 12:55 AM

It is so hard, Esthergirl. I don't like tthat feeling of going away. I don't like to feel loss of control either. That must have been so scary for you , especially the first time it happened.

Esthergirl · Apr 19, 2009, 06:29 PM

Thanks Calista! This whole thing really messed up my life. I still get "those feelings" from time-to-time. I'm hoping that doing Mindfulness exercises will help!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calista+12

It is so hard, Esthergirl. I don't like tthat feeling of going away. I don't like to feel loss of control either. That must have been so scary for you , especially the first time it happened.

lilirayray · May 11, 2009, 09:58 AM

Thanks so much for this info. I'm still in the process of a diagnosis. It has been very confussing to even describe what is happening to me, been having too many symptoms for far too many years. You clarifiied some of the possibilities that I could have. Thanks again.

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