Dissociative Disorders Thomas G. Bowers, Ph.D. Penn State Harrisburg

Characteristics  Changes in the sense of identity, memory or consciousness  Relatively rare disorders

Types of Dissociative Disorders  Dissociative Amnesia –Unable to recall important information –Often after stressful episode –Limited time period –Traumatic event  Dissociative fugue state –More extensive memory loss –May assume a new identity –Some purposeful travel

Other Dissociative Disorders  Dissociative Identity Disorder –At least two separate states of identity –Different modes of thinking and feeling –Long lasting –Also called Multiple Personality  Possible Malingering –Conscious attempt to avoid punishment or make other gains –Ken Bianchi Case

Simulation of Psychopathology  Ken Bianchi - Hillside Strangler  Several articles in the International Journal of Clinical Hypnosis  Initial evaluation by Watkins indicated MPD  Later evaluation by Orne indicated simulation of hypnotic trance state

Etiology of Dissociative Disorder  Thought to result from massive repression  Parts of the self are “split off” from awareness  Behavioral analysis emphases an extreme avoidance response  Individuals with MPD may be highly suggestible

Etiology of Dissociative Disorder  There is a link to childhood physical and sexual abuse  Severe trauma appears to be associated with the disorder

Treatment of DID  Psychoanalytical treatment tends to be the treatment of choice  Problems in retrospective memory  Often inaccurate