Dissosiaatioon

Dissosiaatioon, or dissociation, is a mental process in which a person separates some thoughts, memories, feelings, or sense of identity from conscious awareness. It often arises as a protective response to trauma or extreme stress. In everyday life, mild dissociation can occur during absorbed activities or daydreaming, but when dissociation is persistent and disrupts functioning, it may indicate a dissociative disorder.

Common dissociative symptoms include gaps in memory for personal events, periods of altered or compartmentalized consciousness, a sense of detachment from oneself (depersonalization) or from surroundings (derealization), and identity disturbance or fragmentation. Symptoms may be episodic or chronic and can vary in intensity.

Dissociative disorders comprise several conditions, such as Dissociative Amnesia, Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly multiple personality disorder), Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder, and Other Specified Dissociative Disorder. Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation, detailed history, and ruling out neurological or other medical causes. These conditions frequently co-occur with trauma-related disorders, anxiety, and mood disorders.

Treatment focuses on psychotherapy as the main approach, with trauma-focused therapies (for example, EMDR and certain cognitive-behavioral therapies) commonly used. Grounding techniques and mindfulness can help manage symptoms. Medication may be prescribed for associated symptoms such as depression or anxiety but does not treat dissociation directly. With appropriate treatment and support, many people experience reduced symptoms and improved functioning; prognosis varies with the severity and chronicity of symptoms.