7.1: Chapter Introduction

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Page ID: 65355

Alexis Bridley and Lee W. Daffin Jr.
Washington State University

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Chapter Overview

In Chapter 7, we will discuss dissociative disorders, including their clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, comorbidity, etiology, and treatment options. Our discussion will include depersonalization/derealization, dissociative amnesia, and dissociative identity disorder. Be sure you refer Chapters 1-3 for explanations of key terms (Chapter 1), an overview of the various models to explain psychopathology (Chapter 2), and descriptions of the various therapies (Chapter 3).

Chapter Outline

7.2 Depersonalization/derealization disorder
7.3 Dissociative amnesia
7.4 Dissociative identity disorder

Chapter Learning Outcomes

Describe the dissociative disorders and their symptoms.
Describe the epidemiology of dissociative disorders.
Indicate which disorders are commonly comorbid with dissociative disorders.
Describe the etiology of dissociative disorders.
Describe treatment options for dissociative disorders.

Chapter Introduction

Dissociative disorders are a group of disorders categorized by symptoms of disruption in consciousness, memory, identity, emotion, perception, motor control, or behavior (APA, 2013). These symptoms are likely to appear following a significant stressor or years of ongoing stress (i.e. abuse; Maldonadao & Spiegel, 2014). Occasionally, one may experience temporary dissociative symptoms due to lack of sleep or ingestion of a substance, however, these would not qualify as a dissociative disorder due to the lack of impairment in functioning. Furthermore, individuals with acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often experience dissociative symptoms, such as amnesia, flashbacks, depersonalization and/or derealization; however, because of the identifiable stressor (and lack of additional symptoms listed below), they meet diagnostic criteria for a stress disorder as opposed to a dissociative disorder.

There are 3 main types of dissociative disorders that will be described in the next three sections: Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder, Dissociative Amnesia, and Dissociative Identity Disorder.