Symptoms of Different Types of Dissociative Disorders

Aubrey Bailey, PT, DPT, CHT
·4 min read

Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

Dissociative disorders are mental health conditions that cause a person to be disconnected from their consciousness, thoughts, memories, and identity.

There are three types of dissociative disorders recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5): dissociative identity disorder, dissociative amnesia, and depersonalization/derealization disorder. Specific symptoms occur with each of these types.

This article discusses the symptoms associated with each type of dissociative disorder as well as symptoms that children with dissociative disorders commonly exhibit.

<p>Carol Yepes / Getty Images</p>

Carol Yepes / Getty Images

Types of Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative disorders are mental health conditions that cause a disconnection between identity, behavior, surroundings, and a person's thoughts, memories, and feelings. Dissociative disorders cause a person to mentally escape reality in a way that disrupts their daily life.

Anything that reminds a person of past trauma (sights, sounds, smells, etc.) can trigger a dissociative episode.

There are three types of dissociative disorder: Dissociative identity disorder (DID), dissociative amnesia, and depersonalization/derealization disorder.

Dissociative Identity Disorder

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is commonly called "multiple personality disorder." The main symptom of DID is switching between multiple identities. Each identity can have its own name, personality, voice, and mannerisms.

These identities are also called alternate personalities, alters, or states of consciousness.

Criteria for diagnosis of DID include:

  • Presence of two or more distinct identities

  • Persistent gaps in memory of personal information, daily activities, and past traumas

  • Significant difficulty in multiple areas of functioning

  • Severe distress

  • Disturbance that is not part of a religious or cultural practice



Switching Between Identities

An individual with DID can switch back and forth between identities quite suddenly. This shift is not in the person's control and is very stressful.



Dissociative Amnesia

Amnesia is memory loss. Dissociative amnesia causes a person to forget important facts or information about themselves and their history. This memory loss often relates to a particular traumatic event, such as abuse, surviving a natural disaster, or being a victim of a crime.

There are three basic types of memory loss with dissociative amnesia:

  • Localized: Memory loss about a particular event or period of time

  • Selective: Memory loss about parts of a particular event or timeframe

  • Generalized: Memory loss of a person's entire identity or life history

Localized memory loss occurs most commonly with dissociative amnesia. Generalized memory loss is rare. The memory loss associated with dissociative amnesia may occur suddenly and can last for minutes, hours, or days. In rare cases, memory loss can be long-term.

Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder

Depersonalization/derealization disorder causes a person to view their life from the "outside," as if they are watching a movie rather than experiencing life themselves. While this condition causes a feeling that the world and people around them are not real, the individual is still in touch with reality.

The average age of onset for depersonalization disorder is 16 years old. This condition affects less than 2% of the population.

Common Symptoms

Specific symptoms of dissociative disorders vary with each type. These conditions may be associated with the following symptoms:

  • Memory loss

  • Detachment from reality

  • Flashbacks to traumatic events

  • Inability to cope with stress

  • Depression

  • Altered sense of reality

  • Anxiety

  • Suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors

  • Emotional numbness

  • "Out of body" experiences

Symptoms of Dissociative Disorder in Children

Children with dissociative disorders have typically been exposed to long-term abuse (sexual, physical, and/or emotional). Symptoms of dissociative disorders can appear differently in children than adults.

Symptoms can include:

  • Frequent daydreaming

  • Trance-like state ("zoning out")

  • Tantrums

  • Talking to imaginary friends

  • Sudden change in preferences for food, clothing, or leisure activities

  • Change in voice or accent

  • Change in handwriting style

  • Forgetfulness

  • Violent behaviors for "no reason"

  • Anger outbursts

Children with dissociative disorders are sometimes misdiagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or learning disabilities.

When To See a Healthcare Provider

If you experience sudden memory loss, feel like you're on the "outside" looking in on your life, or have other potential symptoms of dissociative disorders, talk to your healthcare provider. Early identification and treatment of these disorders can help prevent devastating outcomes. Dissociative symptoms can get worse over time and lead to self-harm or even suicidal behaviors.



When To Call 9-1-1

If you are experiencing urges to hurt yourself or end your life, seek immediate medical attention.



Summary

Dissociative disorders cause memory loss and detachment from one's thoughts, feelings, sensations, and actions. There are three main types: dissociative identity disorder, dissociative amnesia, and depersonalization/derealization disorder.

Specific symptoms occur with each type. These conditions can present differently in children than adults.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.