Something Out of Nothing
Dissociative Disorders
We all get lost in a good book or movie. But someone with dissociative disorder escapes reality in ways that are involuntary and unhealthy. The symptoms of dissociative disorders — ranging from amnesia to alternate identities — usually develop as a reaction to trauma and help keep difficult memories at bay.
Treatment for dissociative disorders may include psychotherapy, hypnosis and medication. Although treating dissociative disorders can be difficult, many people with dissociative disorders are able to learn new ways of coping and lead healthy, productive lives.
AMNESIA
* Loss of memory * Inability to recall information that is stored in memory * Inability to memorize data * Causes may be organic or functional*
*Causes
- Organic causes may include brain damage through injury, or the use of specific drugs - usually sedative drugs.
- Functional causes are psychological factors, such as defense mechanisms.
Possible Causes of Amnesia
NEUROLOGICAL or Organic Amnesia * Stroke * Encephalitis (brain inflammation) * Celiac Disease (confusion and personality changes) * Oxygen deprivation (any illness that undermines the supply of oxygen to the brain; e.g. heart attack) * Some medications (such as the sleeping drug, ambien) * Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (bleeding between the skull and the brain) * A brain tumor that lies in the memory-controlling part of the brain * ECT (electroshock therapy) * Head injuries - such as those that occur in car accidents, can lead to memory problems. In most cases the amnesia is not severe and is not long-lasting. * PSYCHOGENIC or Functional Amnesia - Also known as dissociative amnesia. This is caused by an emotional shock, such as: * Being the victim of a violent crime * Sexual abuse * Child abuse * Being involved in combat (e.g. soldiers) * Being involved in natural disasters * Being present during a terrorist act
We all get lost in a good book or movie. But someone with dissociative disorder escapes reality in ways that are involuntary and unhealthy. The symptoms of dissociative disorders — ranging from amnesia to alternate identities — usually develop as a reaction to trauma and help keep difficult memories at bay.
Treatment for dissociative disorders may include psychotherapy, hypnosis and medication. Although treating dissociative disorders can be difficult, many people with dissociative disorders are able to learn new ways of coping and lead healthy, productive lives.
AMNESIA
* Loss of memory * Inability to recall information that is stored in memory * Inability to memorize data * Causes may be organic or functional*
*Causes
- Organic causes may include brain damage through injury, or the use of specific drugs - usually sedative drugs.
- Functional causes are psychological factors, such as defense mechanisms.
Possible Causes of Amnesia
NEUROLOGICAL or Organic Amnesia * Stroke * Encephalitis (brain inflammation) * Celiac Disease (confusion and personality changes) * Oxygen deprivation (any illness that undermines the supply of oxygen to the brain; e.g. heart attack) * Some medications (such as the sleeping drug, ambien) * Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (bleeding between the skull and the brain) * A brain tumor that lies in the memory-controlling part of the brain * ECT (electroshock therapy) * Head injuries - such as those that occur in car accidents, can lead to memory problems. In most cases the amnesia is not severe and is not long-lasting. * PSYCHOGENIC or Functional Amnesia - Also known as dissociative amnesia. This is caused by an emotional shock, such as: * Being the victim of a violent crime * Sexual abuse * Child abuse * Being involved in combat (e.g. soldiers) * Being involved in natural disasters * Being present during a terrorist act