Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative disorders are characterized by an involuntary escape from reality characterized by a disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness and memory. People from all age groups and racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds can experience a dissociative disorder.

The prevalence of DID has been estimated at approximately one percent in community based studies. High rates of co-occurring psychiatric disorders have been reported, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), borderline personality disorder, substance abuse, depression, and somatoform disorder.

Dissociative disorders are managed through various therapies including Psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Medications such as antidepressants can treat symptoms of related conditions. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications or antipsychotic medications are prescribed to help control the mental health symptoms associated with dissociative disorders.