Dissociative Disorders are trauma based psychological disorders in which dissociation affects a person's functioning. The essential feature of dissociative disorders is a disturbance or alteration in the normally integrative functions of identity, memory, or consciousness.
See the "Dissociation" node for a more detailed account of dissociation.
The dissociative spectrum ranges from normal dissociation to poly-fragmented DID.
The Dissociative Spectrum:
from least to most severe dissociation
PTSD is technically classified as an anxiety disorder by the DSM, but has to be included on the dissociative spectrum becuase of its dissociative qualities.
PTSD, dissociation, depression, anxiety syndromes and addictions are common among survivors.
Survivor Symptomatic Profile includes:
1. recurrent depression
2. anxiety, panic, and phobias
3. anger and rage
4. low self-esteem, and feeling damaged and/or worthless
5. shame
6. somatic pain syndromes
7. self-destructive thoughts and/or behavior
8. substance abuse
9. eating disorders: bulimia, anorexia, and compulsive overeating
10. relationship and intimacy difficulties
11. sexual dysfunction, including addictions and avoidance
12. time loss, memory gaps, and a sense of unreality
13. flashbacks, intrusive thoughts and images of trauma
14. hypervigilance
15. sleep disturbances: nightmares, insomnia, and sleepwalking
16. alternative states of consciousness or personalities
For more information on dissociative disorders, see http://www.khayward.com/turkus.html
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