Definition of Dissociation: Dissociation is a disconnection between conscious thoughts, memories, and emotions, often serving as a defense against trauma, stress, or intense experiences.
Key Characteristics:
Feeling of Unreality: This includes a sense of unreality, estrangement from oneself (depersonalization), or detachment from one's body or environment.
Loss of Identity: It can lead to a diminished or altered sense of self.
Defense Mechanism: It functions to shield an individual from overwhelming emotional pain.
Types of Dissociative Disorders:
Dissociative Amnesia: Characterized by an inability to recall significant personal information beyond ordinary forgetfulness. This type can include dissociative fugue, marked by unplanned travel.
Dissociative Identity Disorder: Defined by the presence of multiple distinct identities or personality states that exert control over behavior.
Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder: Involves persistent feelings of detachment from one's own body (depersonalization) or from one's surroundings (derealization).