Chapter Overview

In Chapter 7, we will discuss dissociative disorders, including their clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, comorbidity, etiology, and treatment options. Our discussion will include depersonalization/derealization, dissociative amnesia, and dissociative identity disorder.  Be sure you refer Chapters 1-3 for explanations of key terms (Chapter 1), an overview of the various models to explain psychopathology (Chapter 2), and descriptions of the various therapies (Chapter 3).

Chapter Outline

• 7.1 Depersonalization/derealization disorder
• 7.2 Dissociative amnesia
• 7.3 Dissociative identity disorder

Chapter Learning Outcomes

• Describe the dissociative disorders and their symptoms.
• Describe the epidemiology of dissociative disorders.
• Indicate which disorders are commonly comorbid with dissociative disorders.
• Describe the etiology of dissociative disorders.
• Describe treatment options for dissociative disorders.

Chapter Introduction

Dissociative disorders are a group of disorders categorized by symptoms of disruption in consciousness, memory, identity, emotion, perception, motor control, or behavior (APA, 2022). These symptoms are likely to appear following a significant stressor or years of ongoing stress (i.e. abuse; Maldonadao & Spiegel, 2014). Occasionally, one may experience temporary dissociative symptoms due to lack of sleep or use of a substance (e.g, cannabis), however, these would not qualify as a dissociative disorder due to their transient nature and lack of impairment in functioning. Furthermore, individuals with acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often experience dissociative symptoms, such as amnesia, flashbacks, depersonalization and/or derealization; however, because of the identifiable stressor (and lack of additional symptoms), they meet diagnostic criteria for a stress disorder as opposed to a dissociative disorder.

There are 3 main types of dissociative disorders that will be described in the next three sections: Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder, Dissociative Amnesia, and Dissociative Identity Disorder.