Dissociative disorders are typically a reaction of the mind to deal with difficult memories of trauma.  This disorder involves creating a disconnection between surroundings, actions, thoughts, memories, and identity.  The disconnection provides an escape from reality but is involuntary, unhealthy, and causes problems dealing with everyday life.  Outside stressors can temporarily worsen the symptoms and make them more obvious.  

Treating dissociative disorders may be difficult.  The treatment may be psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication, but many patients are able to learn new ways of coping with the memory of the trauma and return to normal lives.  

The three major dissociative disorders are:  

• Dissociative amnesia 

• Dissociative identify disorder (previously called multiple personalities) 

• Depersonalization-derealization disorder 

These disorders are more prevalent in children who were subjected to long-term emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, although a frightening or highly unpredictable home environment could also trigger it as well as war or natural disasters.  

Children are more susceptible as personal identity is still forming at that stage of development.  Children are more capable of dissociation as a coping mechanism.  

Some patients with dissociative disorders are at risk of developing:  

• Alcohol and drug use disorders 

• Depression and anxiety 

• Posttraumatic stress disorder 

• Personality disorders 

• Sleep disorders 

• Eating disorders 

• Self-harm tendencies 

• Suicidal thoughts 

Mara Fiorentino, M.D., treats dissociative disorders in Destin, Florida.