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Dissociative disorders, also known as conversion disorders, involve the disintegration of identity, feelings, and even loss of control over one’s own body. They are usually accompanied by hysteria, but this is not the only reason for their occurrence. What are the most common causes of dissociative disorders? Is it possible to cure them permanently?
Dissociative disorders and conversion disorders – are they the same?
The very word “dissociation” comes from the Latin “dissociatio”, meaning “separation”. This term occurs in psychiatry, characterizing the complete loss of integrity between identity, feelings, and one’s own body. Compared to dissociation, conversion is defined differently, but according to the psychiatric classification in force in Poland since 1994 (ICD 10), these concepts are identical.
In turn, in the American classification (DSM), only somatic (neurological) symptoms are defined as conversions. Interestingly, dissociation occurs in the average person. It concerns a situation where, while reading a book, we start to think about something else and, at the same time, lose touch with reality. Such conditions are the norm, but their frequent occurrence, which hinders functioning in everyday life, requires medical consultation.
Dissociative disorders – types
Dissociative disorders include:
- dissociative amnesia – memory loss that only erases certain memories. Often found in people who have experienced trauma;
- dissociative fugue – defines traveling with simultaneous memory loss. Outsiders see no abnormalities;
- stupor – the patient stops responding to any external stimuli;
- Dissociative Personality Disorder – split personality also known as multiple personality disorder;
- dissociative seizures – although they resemble an epilepsy, the patient is fully aware of the seizure;
- dissociative movement disorders – the patient cannot move any limb, although he is physically fit;
- trance disorders – the patient loses any contact with reality as a result of trauma.
Dissociative disorders – causes
The most common cause of dissociative disorders is a traumatic situation. It is caused by very strong stress. This usually applies to people who survived a war or a cataclysm. Childhood trauma or low self-esteem can also be seen as a cause of dissociative disorder. So do depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, rape, and sexual harassment. Psychoactive substances can also lead to dissociative disorders.
Dissociative disorders – treatment
Treatment of dissociative disorders depends on the mental state of the patient and the experienced trauma. In some cases, they resolve spontaneously, but many people are sent to therapy, where subsequent traumas are worked on. If a patient develops severe anxiety, medication is often needed.