Neurish Dissociative Disorders
What Are Dissociative Disorders
Dissociative disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by a disruption or dissociation of a person’s normal sense of self, memory, consciousness, and identity. People with dissociative disorders may feel disconnected from themselves or their surroundings or may have gaps in their memories.
There are several types of dissociative disorders treated at our mental health treatment centers, each with its own unique symptoms and characteristics. These include:
- Dissociative amnesia: This type of dissociative disorder involves memory loss that cannot be explained by medical conditions or other factors. People with dissociative amnesia may forget important personal information, such as their name or where they live.
- Dissociative identity disorder (DID): Formerly known as multiple personality disorder, DID involves the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities within one individual. People with DID may experience gaps in memory or knowledge and may have difficulty integrating their different identities into a cohesive sense of self.
- Depersonalization/derealization disorder: This type of dissociative disorder involves persistent feelings of detachment or disconnection from one’s body or surroundings. People with depersonalization/derealization disorder may feel as though they are watching themselves from outside their body, or may feel as though the world around them is not real.
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Causes of Dissociative Disorders
The exact causes of dissociative disorders are not fully understood, but they are believed to be related to traumatic experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or other forms of severe emotional stress. It is important to note that not everyone who experiences trauma, stress, or abuse will develop a dissociative disorder.
Dissociative disorders are complex conditions that can develop as a result of multiple factors. Other risk factors for dissociative disorders may include genetics, brain chemistry, and other mental health conditions.
- Trauma: Dissociative disorders are often linked to traumatic experiences, especially those that occur during childhood. Trauma can include physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, neglect, or other events that overwhelm a person’s ability to cope. Trauma can lead to dissociation as a coping mechanism, allowing a person to distance themselves from the pain of the experience.
- Stress: Prolonged or intense stress, such as that experienced during a war or natural disaster, can also cause dissociative symptoms. Stressful events can trigger dissociation in an effort to cope with overwhelming emotions.
- Other mental health conditions: Dissociative disorders can also occur alongside other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In some cases, dissociative symptoms may be a symptom of another mental health condition.
- Substance abuse: Substance abuse, including alcohol and drugs, can increase the risk of developing dissociative disorders, as well as make existing symptoms worse. Substance abuse can alter brain chemistry and lead to changes in consciousness and perception, which can contribute to dissociative experiences
Symptoms of Dissociative Disorders
Symptoms of dissociative disorders can vary widely depending on the type of disorder and the individual’s unique experiences. Some common symptoms may include:
- Feeling disconnected from oneself or one’s surroundings
- Gaps in memory or knowledge
- Feeling as though one is watching oneself from outside the body
- Feeling as though the world is not real or is distorted
- Hearing voices or having other hallucinations
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Treatments for Dissociative Disorders at Our Luxury Mental Health Facility
Treatments for dissociative disorders at our Orange County mental health facility may include psychotherapy, medication, and other forms of social support. These disorders can be complex and difficult to understand, but with the right help, people with dissociative disorders can manage their symptoms and lead healthy lives.
Our California mental health facility offers a range of effective treatments for dissociative disorders including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of therapy can help individuals with dissociative disorders identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be contributing to their symptoms.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT can help individuals with dissociative disorders learn skills to manage difficult emotions and improve their relationships with others.
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a type of therapy that can help individuals process traumatic memories and reduce their impact on daily life.
- Medication: Medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be used to manage symptoms of dissociative disorders.
Get Help for Dissociative Disorders at Our Mental Health Facilities in California
It is important to seek professional help from a mental health provider. They can provide a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options. If someone you know has a dissociative disorder, you can also play an important role in their recovery and healing by supporting their journey. With the right support and treatment, people with dissociative disorders can manage their symptoms and live long happy lives. Get in touch today to see how we can help you or a loved one toward recovery.