Dissociative Identity Disorders Treatment

Dissociative Identity Disorders Treatment

Dissociative disorders are mental disorders that involve a disconnection and lack of continuity from reality that is involuntary. It affects thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory and causes problems functioning in everyday life, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Dissociative disorders affect an estimated 2% of people living in the United States, according to NAMI, which also states that women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with the disorder.

There are three different types of dissociative disorders: dissociative identity disorder, formerly known as multiple personality disorder or split personality; dissociative amnesia; and depersonalization disorder. While each has some symptoms that set it apart from the others, all three are usually rooted in some form of trauma.

Treatment is available for you or someone you love who is experiencing any of the three dissociative disorders. The Phoenix Recovery Center is equipped to offer comprehensive treatment for dissociative disorders, including inpatient treatment for dissociate disorder, that involves a balance of pharmacological support and therapeutic practices supported by research that can help patients deal with the trauma they’ve previously experienced. Dissociative disorders are more likely to be diagnosed in an emergency or inpatient setting.

So, what is dissociative identity disorder, and how does it differ from depersonalization disorder or dissociative amnesia? How are these disorders treated? Read on to learn more about dissociative disorders and the treatment options available through The Phoenix.

Types of Dissociative Disorders

As mentioned previously, there are three main types of dissociative disorders. Here is a closer look at each:

• Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) — Also known as multiple personality disorder or split personality, DID can give a person multiple alternative identities which they “switch” into. According to NAMI, a person with dissociative identity disorder symptoms may feel as though the different personalities are trying to take control in their minds. Each identity may have its own name, characteristics, mannerisms and even voice. Dissociative identity disorder can cause gaps in the memory of those who have it. Individuals suffering from DID typically also have dissociative amnesia and can sometimes suffer from dissociative fugue (confused wandering) as well.
• Dissociative Amnesia — A person suffering from dissociative amnesia symptoms may have a hard time remembering things about himself or herself far beyond typical forgetfulness. Sometimes the information forgotten may involve identity or life history, but more often it is a particular event, such as abuse or combat. It cannot be explained by a medical condition, however. According to NAMI, an amnesic episode can begin suddenly and may last anywhere from minutes to years. It may also involve dissociative fugue.
• Depersonalization Disorder — This disorder causes symptoms that include feelings of detachment from sensations, feelings, thoughts and actions (depersonalization), or the sense that other things and people are unreal (derealization). You may only experience depersonalization or derealization, but sometimes both can occur at the same time. More than 80% of people with depersonalization disorder begin experiencing episodes and other symptoms before age 20, according to NAMI. Depersonalization treatment centers can provide a proper clinical environment for those who are experiencing depersonalization or derealization.

Other Symptoms

In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, people with a dissociative disorder may experience one or more of the following dissociative disorder symptoms, according to NAMI:

• A lack of self-identity or sense of self
• Feelings of emotional detachment or emotional numbness
• Mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts
• Out-of-body experiences, as though they are watching a movie of themselves
• Memory loss on a significant scale involving people, events, or specific times
• Stress or problems in relationships, work, or other important areas of life

What Causes Dissociative Disorders?

Generally speaking, dissociative disorders develop in people as a way to help them handle trauma. Children who have experienced long-term abuse, whether physical abuse, sexual abuse, or emotional abuse, are the most likely to develop a dissociative disorder. People who have been through a natural disaster, combat, or other forms of trauma may also develop a dissociative disorder.