Dissociative disorders

• Symptoms: The presence of two or more distinct personality states (alters) that recurrently take control of behavior, accompanied by memory gaps for important events (dissociative amnesia) and a sense of detachment from oneself.
• Neurobiological Rationales: Studies suggest DID may be linked to disruptions in brain regions involved in self-processing, memory, and emotional regulation. Childhood trauma may alter brain development in these areas, impacting how individuals integrate memories and maintain a cohesive sense of self [2].
• Treatments: There is no cure for DID, but psychotherapy, specifically Dissociative Identity Disorder Treatment (DIDT), helps individuals manage their symptoms, achieve greater integration among alters, and improve overall functioning.

2. Dissociative Amnesia

• Prevalence: More common than DID, affecting about 2.3% of the population at some point in their lives [3].
• Etiology: Can be caused by severe stress, trauma (physical or emotional), or psychological factors. Medical conditions like epilepsy or head injuries may also play a role.
• Symptoms: Inability to recall important personal information, usually of a traumatic or stressful nature. There are different subtypes: localized amnesia (inability to recall a specific period), selective amnesia (inability to recall certain events within a period), generalized amnesia (inability to recall anything about oneself), and dissociative fugue (traveling away and adopting a new identity with amnesia for one's past).
• Neurobiological Rationales: Dissociative amnesia is thought to be linked to the body's response to trauma. The amygdala, involved in processing emotions like fear, may trigger the hippocampus, responsible for memory consolidation, to suppress memories as a coping mechanism [4].
• Treatments: Treatment focuses on recovering lost memories through psychotherapy techniques like hypnosis or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

3. Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder

• Prevalence: Relatively common, with estimates suggesting up to 2% of the general population experiencing symptoms at some point [5].
• Etiology: Stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma are considered risk factors. Derealization may also occur in people with panic disorder or migraine headaches.
• Symptoms: Depersonalization involves feeling detached from oneself, as if observing oneself from outside the body. Derealization involves feeling detached from one's surroundings, perceiving the world as unreal, foggy, or dreamlike. Symptoms can be episodic or chronic.
• Neurobiological Rationales: The exact cause is unknown, but it may be linked to disruptions in brain regions involved in self-perception and spatial processing. Stress and anxiety may trigger these disruptions, leading to feelings of detachment [6].
• Treatments: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common treatment approach. CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to feelings of detachment.

It's important to note: These are just brief descriptions, and the specific presentations of dissociative disorders can vary. If you suspect you or someone you know may have a dissociative disorder, seeking professional help from a qualified mental health professional is essential.

References:

1. National Institute of Mental Health. (2019, December). Dissociative disorders. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568768/
2. Lanius, R. A., Vermetten, E., & Loewenstein, R. J. (2010). Conceptual and neuroanatomical issues in dissociative disorders: A review of recent developments. Journal of Trauma and Dissociation, 11(1), 22-42. https://journals.lww.com/jonmd/fulltext/2024/03000/dissociative_identity_disorder__a_review_of.6.aspx
3. Kessler, R. C., Berglund, P., Chiu, W. T., Aguilar-Gaxiola, S., Alonso, J., Andrews, G., … & Üstün, T