What Are Dissociative Disorders?

Dissociative disorders are complex mental disorders characterized by an involuntary disconnection between thoughts, memories, emotions, identity, and perception. The dissociative process is often the brain’s response to traumatic or stressful events, especially those that occur during childhood. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)—published by the American Psychiatric Association—these conditions include dissociative identity disorder, dissociative amnesia, and depersonalization/derealization disorder.

While dissociation is a common response to intense stress or traumatic memories, when it becomes chronic and disruptive to daily functioning, it is considered a mental illness requiring professional treatment. People living with dissociative disorders may experience ongoing gaps in memory, detachment from reality, or the presence of distinct identities within themselves.

Common Types of Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative disorders present in a variety of ways depending on the person and their personal history. While each condition has unique features, many share core dissociative symptoms like memory loss, emotional numbness, and disruptions in identity. These symptoms of dissociative conditions are often connected to past trauma or ongoing emotional distress. Understanding these mental health conditions and the personality states that can emerge as a result, can help individuals and families recognize when to seek help.

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

Formerly known as multiple personality disorder, DID is marked by the presence of two or more personality states or distinct identities. These identities may take control of behavior at different times and often have unique memories, preferences, and voices. DID typically develops as a coping response to childhood trauma, especially physical and sexual abuse or severe emotional abuse during formative years.

Multiple Personality Disorder

Multiple personality disorder is the older term used to describe what is now clinically known as dissociative identity disorder. Though the name has changed, the experience remains deeply real for those affected. Individuals with this condition may feel like different parts of themselves come and go, often without warning. These “personalities” may serve different roles—some may protect, others may carry trauma, and some may help with day-to-day tasks. Treatment focuses on understanding the distinct identities, reducing internal conflict, and creating a more unified sense of self.

Dissociative Amnesia

This condition involves an inability to recall important information about one’s personal history, especially related to traumatic events or past trauma. In severe cases, a person may enter a dissociative fugue state, where they travel or take on a new identity without remembering who they are or where they came from.

Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder

Individuals with this disorder may feel detached from their body or surroundings. It can feel like watching one’s life as if it were a movie, and it is often accompanied by strong emotions, anxiety, and emotional distress. Like other dissociative disorders, this condition is often triggered by stressful situations or natural disasters and may co-occur with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Risk Factors and Causes

The development of dissociative disorders depends on a combination of risk factors, life experiences, and environmental stressors. Common causes and contributors include:

• Childhood trauma, especially prolonged physical and sexual abuse
• Severe emotional abuse or neglect
• Past traumatic events such as war, accidents, or witnessing violence
• A family history of mental health conditions
• Exposure to a traumatic or stressful event like a natural disaster or head injury

These experiences disrupt the brain’s ability to form a coherent narrative of one’s life history, leading to fragmentation of memory, identity, and emotional awareness.

Major Symptoms of Dissociative Disorders

Symptoms vary based on the type of dissociative condition, but there are several major symptoms and shared experiences:

• Memory loss or gaps in autobiographical memory
• Detachment from one’s body or environment (depersonalization)
• Feeling emotionally numb or detached from everyday events
• Presence of distinct identities or alternate personalities
• Difficulty with emotion regulation and overwhelming intense emotions
• Episodes of panic attacks, dissociation, or self injurious behavior
• Struggles with maintaining relationships with family members and others

These mental health symptoms often interfere with work, relationships, and self-care. Because they may mimic other disorders, receiving an accurate diagnosis from a mental health professional is essential.

Diagnosing Dissociative Disorders

Diagnosing dissociative disorders can be challenging due to the complexity of dissociative symptoms and their overlap with other mental disorders. A mental health professional uses a clinical interview, psychological assessments, and observation to identify patterns consistent with the DSM-5.

Diagnosis involves:

• Reviewing the person’s life history and personal history
• Exploring exposure to traumatic stress or traumatic memories
• Ruling out medical conditions and head trauma
• Considering broadly accepted cultural explanations for dissociation

Only a trained mental health specialist can provide a diagnosis and begin forming an effective treatment plan tailored to the individual.

Treatment Options Available with Revitalize

At Revitalize Wellness, we offer comprehensive treatment for dissociative disorders that is personalized, trauma-informed, and grounded in compassion. Our team is skilled in approaches that specifically treat dissociative disorders, including developing coping skills to help each client integrate fragmented memories, identities, and emotions.

Individual Therapy

In individual therapy, you’ll meet one-on-one with a trained therapist. These sessions give you a safe place to talk about what you’re going through. Together, you and your therapist can explore difficult memories, emotions, and behaviors. Whether you’re dealing with past trauma, anxiety, or identity confusion, individual therapy gives you space to work through it with support.

Group Therapy

Group therapy provides the opportunity to connect with others facing similar challenges. In these sessions, a licensed therapist guides discussions where you can share experiences, give and receive feedback, and feel less alone. Hearing how others cope with similar symptoms can provide new tools and hope for recovery.

Family Therapy

Dissociative disorders often affect the whole family. That’s why we offer family therapy to help loved ones understand what’s happening and how they can support your healing. In these sessions, family members can work through past issues, improve communication, and build stronger, healthier relationships.

Expert Psychiatric Care

For many people, psychiatric care is an important part of treatment. Our team provides thorough psychiatric evaluations and medication management when needed. If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, medication may help reduce distress so that you can focus on therapy and recovery.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Getting help early can make a big difference. When dissociative disorders are left untreated, symptoms may worsen. This can affect not just mental health, but physical health and overall quality of life. People may struggle at work or school, face ongoing relationship issues, or feel overwhelmed by emotions they can’t explain.

Some individuals may experience self-harming behaviors or develop other disorders like substance abuse or depression. That’s why early, structured treatment is so important. The sooner someone receives care, the better their chances for long-term recovery and personal peace.

What to Expect from Revitalize Wellness

When someone decides to seek help at Revitalize, they can expect to be met with warmth, respect, and understanding. Our team begins by getting to know each person through a careful intake process. This includes a clinical interview and assessments to make sure we understand each person’s unique experiences and needs.

From there, we create a personalized treatment plan. We use trusted guidelines like the statistical manual of mental disorders, along with clinical best practices, to guide care. Throughout treatment, clients work closely with a team of compassionate experts who understand trauma, dissociation, and mental illness.

Our goal is to walk beside each person on their path—from crisis stabilization to lasting healing. We believe every person deserves the chance to feel whole and hopeful again.

You’re Not Alone, There’s Hope Through Recovery

It’s easy to feel isolated when you’re living with a dissociative disorder, but the truth is you’re not alone. Many others have faced similar symptoms and past trauma, and they’ve found hope and healing through professional treatment.

At Revitalize Wellness, we’re here to help you take the next step. Whether you’ve been struggling for years or are just beginning to explore what’s happening, support is available. Healing takes time, but with the right care, recovery is absolutely possible.

If you or someone you love is showing signs of a dissociative disorder or dealing with the effects of trauma, we’re here to help. Contact Revitalize Wellness today to learn more about how we can support your recovery.