Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative disorders can cause a person’s thoughts, feelings, memories, behaviors, and sense of self to feel disconnected. Depending on the specific dissociative disorder a person has, they may experience any number of symptoms and display various signs. These can include:  

• A feeling of having lost touch with reality 

• A feeling of emotional numbness or detachment 

• Out-of-body experiences, such as feeling detached from oneself 

• Mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation 

• Confused feelings about one’s identity and sense of self 

• Serious memory loss 

According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, text revision (DSM-5-TR), there are three types of dissociative disorders: 

• Dissociative identity disorder (DID): Previously known as multiple personality disorder, dissociative identity disorder is a rare condition that affects nearly 1.5% of the world’s population. To be diagnosed with DID, a person must exhibit two or more distinct identities, each with their own history, characteristics, and interests. Dissociative identity disorder is a severe form of dissociation, which is a mental process that causes a person’s thoughts, memories, emotions, behaviors, and sense of self to feel disconnected. 

• Depersonalization/derealization disorder: This disorder causes feelings of detachment or being outside of oneself. When a person is struggling with depersonalization, they may feel detached from themselves, from reality, or both. They may feel that they are viewing their own behaviors, emotions, thoughts, and self as if they are watching a movie. People around them may feel distant, hazy, or dreamy, and time may seem to move either slower or faster. The world around them may also appear to be surreal (derealization). These distressing experiences might only last for a few minutes, or they might come and go over the course of many years. 

• Dissociative amnesia: The primary symptom of dissociative amnesia is memory loss that is both long-lasting and has no medical explanation. A person who has dissociative amnesia may lose all memories of themselves, recent events, and the people in their life, especially those that may have caused them stress or harm. Dissociative amnesia might be limited to recent experiences, such as trauma or abuse, or it can be more extreme and cause a person to forget everything about themselves and their life. Episodes of dissociative amnesia typically begin without warning and can last for a few minutes, a few days, or even months or years. 

Dissociative disorders affect people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic situations. Typically, dissociative disorders emerge as a response to trauma and serve to repress painful memories. This condition commonly affects children who grow up suffering from long-term physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. It also commonly affects people who have experienced natural disasters and war. 

People who have dissociative disorders are at an increased risk for complications and co-occurring mental health concerns, including: 

• Self-injury and self-harm 

• Suicidal ideation and behaviors that are harmful to oneself 

• Sexual dysfunction 

• Substance use disorders 

• Posttraumatic stress disorder 

• Depression and anxiety disorders 

• Sleep disorders 

• Eating disorders 

• Physical symptoms, such as unexplained dizziness or nonepileptic seizures 

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), about 75% of people experience at least one episode of depersonalization or derealization during their lives. Overall, women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with a dissociative disorder. 

Dissociative disorders are diagnosed based on an examination of a person’s symptoms and their medical history. A healthcare professional may conduct tests to rule out medical concerns that can cause symptoms like memory loss and a sensation of unreality, because these can also occur due to head injury, brain lesions or tumors, sleep deprivation, or intoxication. After medical factors have been ruled out, a mental health professional is then consulted for an evaluation and can provide a diagnosis if a person’s symptoms indicate that they have a dissociative disorder.  

Once a person is diagnosed with a dissociative disorder, they can begin treatment, which often consists of a combination of therapies and medications that are tailored to the individual. Treatment modalities for dissociative disorders may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as needed. Medications such as antidepressants are sometimes prescribed to help people who are struggling with a dissociative disorder. At Turning Point Centers in Utah, whether a client receives medication-assisted treatment is always their personal choice.  

At Turning Point, we provide various treatment options for dissociative disorders and their associated symptoms, including: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy: CBT can help people who have dissociative disorders identify and change their harmful thought patterns and behaviors. It can also assist in managing symptoms like dissociation, anxiety, and depression and can help improve a person’s daily functioning. 

• Dialectical behavior therapy: DBT is often adapted for individuals who have dissociative disorders to help them regulate intense emotions, manage dissociation, and build healthier coping strategies for stressful situations. 

• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: EMDR can be an effective treatment for dissociative disorders, particularly when they are a result of unresolved trauma. EMDR can help people access and reprocess traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment, which can reduce the emotional intensity of these memories and the dissociative symptoms they may cause. Before addressing trauma directly, EMDR therapists prioritize grounding techniques, which can help clients stay present and manage their dissociative symptoms during therapy. When EMDR is tailored to the specific needs of people who have dissociative disorders, it can be a valuable part of a comprehensive treatment plan. 

• Medication-assisted treatment: While MAT is not a primary treatment for dissociative disorders, medications may sometimes be prescribed alongside therapy to address co-occurring mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At Turning Point Centers, whether a person receives medication as part of their treatment plan is always up to the individual.  

If you or someone you love is struggling with a dissociative disorder, Turning Point Centers is an ideal choice for treatment. At Turning Point, we provide comprehensive treatment options that allow us to tailor a client’s care to their specific needs, symptoms, and medical history. We understand the unique challenges and symptoms a person may face when they have a dissociative disorder. Our tailored treatment plans combine various evidence-based therapies (such as CBT, DBT, and EMDR) to address symptoms of dissociation and their underlying causes. Our team of experienced mental health professionals offers a safe and supportive environment where people who have dissociative disorders can learn to process their experiences, build effective coping skills, and work toward a more stable future.  

Located in Sandy, Utah, Turning Point Centers is known for its stunning and tranquil surroundings. Situated at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, our facility provides a peaceful atmosphere away from the stresses of daily life. Our serene natural environment encourages clients to reflect, relax, and connect with the present moment. At Turning Point, we are committed to providing our clients with the time, space, and tools they need to heal and grow. When you are ready to start your unique journey toward healing, we are here and ready to walk beside you every step of the way.  

This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Turning Point Centers.