Trauma and Dissociation

What is dissociation?

Dissociation is a psychological process where a person disconnects from their thoughts, feelings, memories, or sense of identity. It is often seen as a coping mechanism the brain employs to protect individuals from overwhelming stress or trauma. Dissociative experiences can range from mild detachment from immediate surroundings to more severe disconnection from physical and emotional experiences (Mayo Clinic, 2020).

What is depersonalization?

Depersonalization is a form of dissociation where individuals feel detached from their own body and thoughts. It involves a sense of observing oneself from outside, and people experiencing depersonalization might report feeling like a robot or as if they are watching their life as a movie. Despite this detachment, individuals remain aware that this sense of detachment is not normal (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

What is derealization?

Derealization is another form of dissociation involving a persistent or recurring feeling of unreality concerning one's surroundings. People experiencing derealization may describe the world around them as foggy, dreamlike, or visually distorted. Like depersonalization, those experiencing derealization are aware of the unreality of their perception (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

 How does post-acute trauma dissociation differ from DID?

Post-acute trauma dissociation typically occurs shortly after a traumatic event and is generally temporary. It serves as a defense mechanism, helping the individual cope with the immediate aftermath of trauma through detachment from the reality of the event. This type of dissociation is often resolved as the individual processes the traumatic experience and begins to heal.

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as multiple personality disorder, involves a fragmentation of identity into two or more distinct personality states, each with its own way of perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the environment and self. DID is a complex psychological condition that is believed to stem from severe, chronic trauma experienced during early childhood, usually extreme, repetitive physical, sexual, or emotional abuse (Putnam, 1997).

What are the main differences between post-acute trauma dissociation and DID?

Post-acute trauma dissociation is usually transient and related directly to a recent traumatic event. DID is a chronic condition that arises from a long history of severe trauma and is enduring.

In DID, there is a presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states, each with its own pattern of perceiving and interacting with the world. Post-acute trauma dissociation does not typically involve such fragmentation of identity. 

Individuals with DID may not always be aware of their dissociative states and might have significant memory gaps. Those experiencing post-acute trauma dissociation are usually aware of their dissociative symptoms and retain continuity of their identity.

For further information or support related to dissociative disorders, consider consulting a mental health professional specializing in trauma and dissociation.

References

- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). *Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders* (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

- Mayo Clinic. (2020). Dissociative disorders. Retrieved from [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dissociative-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20355215](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dissociative-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20355215)

- Putnam, F. W. (1997). *Dissociation in Children and Adolescents: A Developmental Perspective*. New York, NY: Guilford Press.

Contact Me for Support

As a mental health professional specializing in trauma and dissociation, I understand the complexity and nuances of conditions like depersonalization, derealization, and Dissociative Identity Disorder. If you or someone you know is seeking support or would like to learn more about these experiences, I am here to help; please do not hesitate to reach out. I offer personalized therapy sessions that are tailored to your unique needs and goals.

To schedule an appointment, please contact me at:

lunamentalhealth@icloud.com

(360) 801-9837

Your mental health is important, and you don't have to navigate these challenges alone. Reach out today to begin your journey toward healing and understanding.