Understanding Dissociative Disorders: Comprehensive Care at The Practice

We live in a time where a plethora of information is available at the click of your keyboard. Often this information is confusing, complicated and contradictory. This article is intended to simplify the varied information surrounding dissociative disorders and, hopefully, help you become more informed.

Dissociative disorders are intricate mental health conditions marked by disruptions in memory, identity, emotion, perception and behaviour. Often arising as a response to severe trauma, these disorders serve as coping mechanisms, allowing individuals to detach from distressing experiences.

Categories of Dissociative Disorders

1. Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID): Previously termed multiple personality disorder, DID involves the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states that alternately control an individual’s behaviour.

2. Dissociative Amnesia: Characterised by an inability to recall important personal information, usually related to traumatic events, which cannot be explained by ordinary forgetfulness.

3. Depersonalisation/Derealisation Disorder: Involves persistent feelings of detachment from one’s own body (depersonalisation) or a sense of unreality regarding one’s surroundings (derealisation).

Identifying the Symptoms

Symptoms vary among individuals but commonly include:

• Memory lapses: Unexplained gaps in memory concerning personal information or significant life events.

• Detachment experiences: Feeling disconnected from oneself or perceiving the environment as unreal.

• Identity confusion or alteration: A sense of uncertainty about one’s identity or the presence of multiple distinct identities.

• Emotional numbness: A pervasive sense of emotional detachment or lack of responsiveness.

The Role of Professional Intervention

Effective management of dissociative disorders often necessitates specialised therapeutic approaches:

• Psychotherapy: Talk therapies, including cognitive analytic therapy, assist individuals in processing and integrating dissociative experiences.

• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR): This technique aids in reprocessing traumatic memories that contribute to dissociative symptoms.

• Somatic Therapies: Focus on the mind-body connection, helping individuals process trauma through bodily awareness and movement.

Support at The Practice

At The Practice, our team of seasoned psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists, and psychiatrists is committed to delivering holistic care for those affected by dissociative disorders. Our services include:

• Customised Treatment Plans: Developing strategies tailored to each individual’s unique experiences and therapeutic goals.

• Evidence-Based Therapeutic Modalities: Employing validated techniques to facilitate healing and integration.

• Empathetic and Confidential Environment: Ensuring a safe space where clients feel respected and supported throughout their therapeutic journey.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a dissociative disorder, seeking professional assistance is a vital step toward recovery. The dedicated team at The Practice is here to guide you through the process of healing and self-discovery. We have a wealth of well trained and experienced therapists at The Practice to help. Please feel free to contact us or call on 0333 0096 321 if you feel therapy can assist you.