If you or someone you know has dissociative disorder symptoms, they may be able to make a full recovery with the right treatment and support. Talking therapies are often recommended as part of an assessment for dissociative disorders, along with medication if necessary. It's important to talk to your GP and not feel embarrassed or ashamed about these symptoms. GPs will examine you and do tests to check if another illness might be causing them. They may also refer you to a specialist for an assessment by a mental health professional with knowledge of these conditions.
Depersonalisation and derealisation are two symptoms of dissociative disorders that involve feelings of unreality or a sense of detachment from your surroundings. These episodes can last just a few moments or come and go over many years. You might also experience gaps in your memory, including information about yourself, events in your life or past experiences.
People who have been through trauma, such as sexual or physical abuse, or long-term stress, are at greater risk of dissociative disorders. Some researchers suggest that dissociative disorders develop as a result of an attempt to cope with overwhelming or dangerous situations. They can also be triggered by certain medications, such as antidepressants and some painkillers.
One of the most well-known dissociative disorders is dissociative identity disorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder), which involves alternating between different identities that you believe are living in your body. These identities, which are sometimes called alters, might have different names, personalities, characteristics, behaviours and memories. You might not be aware of switching between them, and their activity is usually triggered by specific triggers like being stressed or upset. You might not remember when the switch happens, but you might notice that your coping mechanisms change when one identity is in control.
Other dissociative disorders include:
Dissociative amnesia – where you have severe gaps in your memory that are not caused by another illness or injury. Dissociative fugue – when you have sudden, brief episodes of dissociation that come and go. Dissociative trance – where you have periods of time where you don't seem to be aware of what is happening around you. Dissociation from coercion – where you have dissociative symptoms because of something someone else has done to you, such as brainwashing or torture.
There is ongoing controversy about what causes dissociative disorders, with some arguing that they are all posttraumatic conditions that arise spontaneously in response to a traumatic event. Others, however, argue that these conditions can be linked to other factors such as genetics and early family life.
While there is still a lot of debate, experts have agreed that some types of dissociative disorders can be treated effectively and that people can recover fully from these conditions. They can lead full and fulfilling lives. If you have DID, try to maintain a positive attitude. Talk about your symptoms with friends, family or a therapist and don't be afraid to ask for help.
