Dissociative disorder is a type of psychological disorder in which the person presents changes in consciousness, memory, identity, emotion, perception of the environment, control of movements and/or behavior, which can happen after traumatic or highly stressful events.
Thus, a person with a dissociative disorder can experience different types of signs and symptoms of psychological origin, which appear alone or together, without any physical illness justifying the case, such as temporary amnesia, loss of consciousness, mental confusion. and multiple identities, for example.
It is important that the dissociative disorder is identified by a psychologist or psychiatrist so that it is then possible to begin treatment with the aim of relieving the symptoms, with psychotherapy and the use of anxiolytic or antidepressant medications being normally recommended.
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Main symptoms
Symptoms of dissociative disorder can arise or be worsened by traumatic events or great stress, usually occurring in a searching manner. Episodes may appear from time to time or become frequent, depending on each case, with the main symptoms being:
- Temporary amnesiawhether from specific events or a period in the past;
- Slowing of movements and reflexes or inability to movesimilar to a faint or a state of catatonia;
- Loss of consciousness who you are or where you are;
- Movements similar to an epileptic seizure;
- Tingling or loss of sensation in one or more places on the body, such as the mouth, tongue, arms, hands or legs;
- State of extreme mental confusionl.
Generally, dissociative disorder manifests or worsens after traumatic or stressful events, and usually appears abruptly. Episodes may appear sporadically or be frequent, depending on each case, being more common in women than in men.
It is important that in the presence of signs and symptoms possibly indicative of dissociative disorder, a psychiatrist is consulted so that the correct diagnosis can be made and the most appropriate treatment can be initiated.
How is the diagnosis
Dissociative disorder is confirmed by a psychiatrist, who will evaluate the symptoms presented during crises and the existence of psychological conflicts that may be triggering or worsening the disease.
The doctor must also assess the presence of anxiety, depression, somatization, schizophrenia or other mental disorders that worsen or are confused with dissociative disorder. See what the most common mental disorders are and how to identify them.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment for dissociative disorder is done with psychotherapy, using the conversion technique, which aims to alleviate symptoms through specialized dialogue focused on the traumatic event.
In addition to psychotherapy, medications indicated by the psychiatrist may also be prescribed, such as antipsychotics or anxiolytics in order to reduce symptoms of anxiety and changes in consciousness.
Bibliography
- American Psychistric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders – DSM-V. 5 ed. Porto Alegre: Artmed, 2014. 291-298.