Dissociative Disorders is a psychological disorder that can occur with disorders of mind, intellect, thought, memory, environment, actions and identity. It is a condition in which the functions of the brain, mind, memory or consciousness, which are in a whole, are impaired. In these people, where psychological traumas are very effective, the formation of multiple personalities, lasting for a very short or very long time in the person's life and very rapid personality transitions are among the characteristics of this disorder.
People with this disorder may have multiple different alter identities. The person believes that they have different identities within themselves. During the transition between these identities, gender, sexual orientation and abilities may change. The different identities are named by the person with this problem.
Dissociative identity disorder occurs when a person has a mental health problem. This disorder, also known as multiple personality disorder, causes the person to assume more than one identity. This disorder, which can occur for psychological reasons, can also occur when a person experiences a physical or emotional traumatic event during childhood or adolescence.
This disorder, which can occur at any age, is more common in women than in men. The treatment of this disorder, which can cause serious problems in the person's life, is possible with psychotherapy methods.
What are the Symptoms of Dissociative Disorder?
There are several different symptoms of this disorder. The person may hear voices in his/her head, may have difficulty expressing himself/herself and making simple decisions.
We can list the symptoms ofdissociative disorder as follows;
- Crying attacks
- Hearing leading voices
- Being anxious and inconsistent
- Inconsistency and sudden drop in achievements
- Loss of consciousness
- Changing habits
- Constant feeling of fatigue
- Being unhappy
- Anger, irritability and nervousness
- Carelessness
- Being forgetful
- Self-talk
- Imaginary friendships
- Fainting
- Behavior changes
- Constantly waking up with bad dreams and nightmares
- Not remembering the past
- Suicide attempts and thoughts of death
How is Dissociative Disorder Diagnosed?
This type of disorder needs to be differentiated from other psychological disorders. The difference in symptoms and the fact that it can be seen at any age should not be confused with other different disorders.
It is necessary to focus on the treatment of this disorder in people with symptoms such as depression, attachment problems, repeated suicide attempts, self-harm, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, forgetfulness, especially different personality states. People may also consult psychiatrists and psychologists for different types of disorders. This disorder can be diagnosed in cases where the person feels as if he/she is watching himself/herself from the outside and feels as if he/she is constantly dreaming.
Who Has Dissociative Disorder?
It is a psychological disorder that can be caused by the traumas experienced in childhood, is more common in childhood and adolescence and is more common in women. This disorder, which can be seen in all age groups, can occur as a result of experiencing serious traumas that affect a person's mental health. In some cases, the person's family is aware of the condition, but they do not want to deal with it too much against social pressures. Since this behavior makes the life of the person with the problem much more difficult, it is very important for the person to undergo psychotherapy.
What are the Types of Dissociative Disorder?
Dissociative disorder is divided according to its types. We can examine the types of disorder under 7 headings below.
Chronic Dissociative Disorders
It is a type of disorder that is among the most common examples. It is seen as a type of disorder that starts in childhood but emerges as a result of certain factors. It can be seen at any age and is usually observed with symptoms that occur during adolescence.
Acute Dissociative Disorders
This state of disorder, characterized by psychological or physical symptoms, is known as a "state of anger" or "depression". A number of disorders can occur under stress. In such cases, i.e. during a crisis, the person may experience anger, tantrums, screaming, yelling, running away from home, fainting, tremors and convulsions. The person usually does not remember what they did during the crisis. When this happens, the person may self-harm or commit suicide.
Depersonalization-Derealization (Alienation)
It is the alienation of the person from the people around him/her and from himself/herself. The person may feel that they see their body from the outside and that there are changes in their body. He/she may also think that there are changes in the concept of time and that he/she is going fast or slow.
Dissociative Amnesia
There are 2 conditions: acute or chronic. Acute condition can be a short-term forgetting of self, going to another place without realizing it and suddenly finding oneself in another place, losing the concept of time. In some cases, forgetfulness may occur on a daily basis. The person does not remember the words they have said and the behavior they have done.
Dissociative Trans Disorder
The person focuses on one place without realizing it and experiences a state of distraction. The person tries to remember the events but is not successful.
Dissociative Psychosis
Dissociative psychosis is a risky condition with symptoms of schizophrenia. The person should be treated without wasting time. It is usually seen in people under intense stress. In case some people experience a stressful event, it can become unbearable and explode.
Identity Disorders Due to Oppression
It is seen in people who are taken hostage in a war and told different thoughts or who are under pressure in a community. By entering the mind of these people, they are made to act in an identity different from themselves.
What are the Causes of Dissociative Disorders?
We can also say that the person tries to forget the bad events and serious traumas that the person has experienced and creates a mechanism against this situation. Factors that cause this condition include; long-term physical, sexual or emotional abuse, violence and incompatibility between parents, and situations such as the child growing up separated from family members. It is a disorder that can be caused in people who are exposed to or experience these problems.
What are the Treatment Methods for Dissociative Disorder?
These disorders are treated by psychiatrists or psychologists. It usually varies according to the type of disorder in the person. But mostly psychotherapy and medication are used.
Psychotherapy
This disorder, which has trauma, stress and psychological origins, improves with psychotherapy. It is very important to ensure continuity in the psychotherapy process, which is very detailed and should be carried out by an expert, in order for the treatment to yield results. Prevention of this disorder, which begins in childhood and adolescence, benefits the individual and the society. If left untreated, it can cause problems in education, work and marriage. For this reason, treatment should not be postponed and should be carried out without delay.
Drug Treatment
There is no medication that specifically treats these disorders. However, medication is used to reduce the depression, anxiety and crises that accompany these disorders. However, medication must be individualized.
