Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesDissociative Identity DisorderDissociative AmnesiaDepersonalization/Derealization DisorderCommon SymptomsSymptoms in ChildrenWhen to See a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Dissociative Identity Disorder
Dissociative Amnesia
Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder
Common Symptoms
Symptoms in Children
When to See a Provider
Dissociative disorders are mental health conditions that cause a person to be disconnected from their consciousness, thoughts, memories, and identity.
This article discusses the symptoms associated with each type of dissociative disorder as well as symptoms that children with dissociative disorders commonly exhibit.
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Types of Dissociative Disorders
Dissociative disorders are mental health conditions that cause a disconnection between identity, behavior, surroundings, and a person’s thoughts, memories, and feelings. Dissociative disorders cause a person to mentally escape reality in a way that disrupts their daily life.
Anything that reminds a person of past trauma (e.g., sights, sounds, smells, etc.) can trigger a dissociative episode.
There are three types of dissociative disorder: dissociative identity disorder (DID), dissociative amnesia, and depersonalization/derealization disorder.
Dissociative identity disorder (DID)was commonly called “multiple personality disorder.” The main symptom of DID is switching between multiple identities. Each identity can have its own name, personality, voice, and mannerisms.
These identities are also called alternate personalities, alters, or states of consciousness.
Criteria for diagnosis of DID include:
Switching Between IdentitiesAn individual with DID can switch back and forth between identities quite suddenly. This shift is not in the person’s control and is very stressful.
Switching Between Identities
An individual with DID can switch back and forth between identities quite suddenly. This shift is not in the person’s control and is very stressful.
Amnesiais memory loss. Dissociative amnesia causes a person to forget important facts or information about themselves and their history. This memory lossoften relates to a particular traumatic event, such as abuse, surviving a natural disaster, or being a victim of a crime.
There are three basic types of memory loss with dissociative amnesia:
Localized memory loss occurs most commonly with dissociative amnesia. Generalized memory loss is rare. The memory loss associated with dissociative amnesia may occur suddenly and can last for minutes, hours, or days. In rare cases, memory loss can be long-term.
Depersonalization/derealization disordercauses a person to view their life from the “outside,” as if they are watching a movie rather than experiencing life themselves.While this condition causes a feeling that the world and people around them are not real, the individual is still in touch with reality.
The average age of onset for depersonalization disorder is 16 years old. This condition affects less than 2% of the population.
Specific symptoms of dissociative disorders vary with each type. These conditions may be associated with the following symptoms:
Symptoms of Dissociative Disorder in Children
Children with dissociative disorders have typically been exposed to long-term abuse (sexual, physical, and/or emotional). Symptoms of dissociative disorders can appear differently in children than adults.
Symptoms can include:
Children with dissociative disorders are sometimes misdiagnosed withattention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)or learning disabilities.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you experience sudden memory loss, feel like you’re on the “outside” looking in on your life, or have other potential symptoms of dissociative disorders, talk to your healthcare provider. Early identification and treatment of these disorders can help prevent devastating outcomes. Dissociative symptoms can get worse over time and lead toself-harmor even suicidal behaviors.
When to Call 9-1-1If you are experiencing urges to hurt yourself or end your life, seek immediate medical attention.
When to Call 9-1-1
If you are experiencing urges to hurt yourself or end your life, seek immediate medical attention.
Summary
Dissociative disorders cause memory loss and detachment from one’s thoughts, feelings, sensations, and actions. There are three main types: dissociative identity disorder, dissociative amnesia, and depersonalization/derealization disorder. These conditions can present differently in children than adults and specific symptoms occur with each type.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Dissociative disorders.American Psychiatric Association.What are dissociative disorders?.Ruzhenkova VV, Ruzhenkov VA, Bykova AA, Kolosova MA.Depersonalization and psychosensory disorders amongst young people who do not seek psychiatric help appeal for psychiatrysts (prevalence, clinical features and classification).IP Pavlov Russ Med Biol Her. 2018;26(1):70-85. doi:10.23888/PAVLOVJ201826170-85Psychology Today.Understanding dissociative identity disorder in children.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Dissociative disorders.American Psychiatric Association.What are dissociative disorders?.Ruzhenkova VV, Ruzhenkov VA, Bykova AA, Kolosova MA.Depersonalization and psychosensory disorders amongst young people who do not seek psychiatric help appeal for psychiatrysts (prevalence, clinical features and classification).IP Pavlov Russ Med Biol Her. 2018;26(1):70-85. doi:10.23888/PAVLOVJ201826170-85Psychology Today.Understanding dissociative identity disorder in children.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Dissociative disorders.American Psychiatric Association.What are dissociative disorders?.Ruzhenkova VV, Ruzhenkov VA, Bykova AA, Kolosova MA.Depersonalization and psychosensory disorders amongst young people who do not seek psychiatric help appeal for psychiatrysts (prevalence, clinical features and classification).IP Pavlov Russ Med Biol Her. 2018;26(1):70-85. doi:10.23888/PAVLOVJ201826170-85Psychology Today.Understanding dissociative identity disorder in children.
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Dissociative disorders.
American Psychiatric Association.What are dissociative disorders?.
Ruzhenkova VV, Ruzhenkov VA, Bykova AA, Kolosova MA.Depersonalization and psychosensory disorders amongst young people who do not seek psychiatric help appeal for psychiatrysts (prevalence, clinical features and classification).IP Pavlov Russ Med Biol Her. 2018;26(1):70-85. doi:10.23888/PAVLOVJ201826170-85
Psychology Today.Understanding dissociative identity disorder in children.
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