What Is Dissociation?

Dissociation is a mental process that involves disconnecting from your own thoughts, feelings, memories, or personal identity, often in response to a traumatic event. It can cause you to:

• Believe that the world around you is distorted or unreal
• Experience sudden mood swings
• Have trouble concentrating, remembering things, or handling intense emotions
• Experience anxiety or depression
• Behave much differently than you normally would, possibly doing things that you would usually find offensive

The 3 Types of Dissociative Disorders

Although dissociation often resolves on its own without the need for professional treatment, in some cases it can develop into a dissociative disorder. The mental health community classifies dissociative disorders into the following three types:

• Dissociative amnesia (also known as psychogenic amnesia) – You can’t remember the details of a traumatic event, but you’re aware that you’re experiencing memory loss.
• Depersonalization disorder – You feel detached from your surroundings, as if you’re watching what’s occurring around you on television.
• Dissociative identity disorder (previously known as multiple personality disorder) – You have two or more personalities, with each one possibly having its own tone, body language, outlook, and memories.

The Team to Choose for Dissociation Treatment

If you think you may be experiencing dissociation, contact my office today. Once I’ve spoken with you about the issues you’ve been dealing with, I can recommend a course of treatment that’s customized to your specific needs. I look forward to meeting with you and helping you take the next step toward relief.