What Are The Symptoms Of Dissociative Amnesia?
Please be advised: the information found in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have.
Dissociative disorder is one of three dissociative disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The other two are dissociative identity disorder, which involves having two or more personal identities, and depersonalization/derealization disorder, in which a person feels detached from their body or mind or from their environment (derealization).
Dissociative amnesia (formerly called psychogenic amnesia) is considered non-medical amnesia. This means it is not caused by stroke, brain injury, or other illnesses. The loss of autobiographical memory associated with dissociative amnesia is also typically present in medical amnesia. The difference between the two types of amnesia is typically the cause.
Dissociative amnesia is thought to have a psychological cause, which can be challenging to find due to memory loss. This condition may require a psychiatrist or psychologist to study the case and make an informed diagnosis.
Diagnosis of dissociative amnesia
To diagnose dissociative amnesia, a doctor may first order medical imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. These imaging techniques may help to rule out medical amnesia. However, there may still be an organic cause even though it doesn’t showing up initially on imaging tests.
If a diagnosis of dissociative amnesia is made, a psychologist or psychiatrist typically works with the patient to try to figure out what caused dissociative amnesia. Since amnesia can result from brain injury, brain disease, or structural damage, psychiatrists may continue to order testing periodically. Sometimes, the damage may be so mild that it takes time to be seen. This may be especially true for growths or cell changes.
Those with dissociative amnesia can have significant memory loss triggered by a traumatic event, but the lack of autobiographical memory may be the only symptom. Those with this disorder often show no signs of other cognitive functional deficiencies. Short-term memory may be completely intact, and the memory needed to learn new things typically remains unchanged.
A diagnosis of dissociative amnesia is often not simple or easy. Memories are stored in a specific place in the brain, and damage to that area can result in amnesia. A lack of damage to memory centers tends to be the very thing that triggers controversy. For those experiencing memory loss and related problems, diagnosis can be vital for receiving the proper care.
Dissociative amnesia symptoms
The most common symptom of dissociative amnesia tends to be memory loss relating to personal identity. Memory loss can last from months to years, but most cases tend to be short. Individuals with dissociative amnesia may know where they are and how they got there, but they typically do not remember who they are.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are three types of amnesia: localized, selective, and generalized. With localized amnesia, a person may not remember an event or time period, while a person with selective amnesia may not remember specific details of events from a specific time period. Finally, a person with generalized amnesia may not remember anything about their identify or life history. The latter is considered the rarest type of amnesia.
In some rare cases, a person may also experience something called dissociative fugue. With this condition, a person typically loses memory of their sensitive information and ends up fleeing to another location and taking on a new identity.
Dissociative amnesia may occur along with personality disorders. Those with personality disorders may have experienced past trauma that has manifested in their disorders. There are other reasons for personality disorders, but trauma is thought to be a common trigger. Trauma is also believed to be a common trigger for dissociative amnesia. Only a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist can properly work through the symptoms and accurately diagnose dissociative amnesia.
Dissociative amnesia treatments
Treatment for dissociative amnesia typically involves first ensuring the safety of the individual affected and those around them and helping the person reconnect with their memory. Psychotherapy for dissociative amnesia may include a variety of therapeutic modalities, including:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectic behavior therapy
- Family therapy
- Creative therapies (art therapy, music therapy)
In most cases, a person’s memory returns, whether gradually or suddenly as a result of something in their environment or during therapy. While there is no medication specifically for dissociative amnesia, a person may benefit from medication to treat comorbid mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
Support for the family of those with dissociative amnesia
If you know someone who may be experiencing dissociative amnesia, they may not seem very concerned like people with medical amnesia often are. It’s typically noticed by family and friends of the affected individual. This condition can take a toll on the mental health of the loved ones of a person experiencing it. If you find yourself worried about a loved one with amnesia, you may benefit from speaking to a licensed therapist about what you’re experiencing. If you can’t leave your loved one for safety reasons, you might benefit from online therapy, which research has demonstrated to be just as effective as in-office therapy.
With online therapy at BetterHelp, you can speak with a licensed therapist via phone, videoconferencing, or live chat at a time that works for you. You can also contact your therapist at any time through in-app messaging, and they’ll respond as soon as they can. This may prove to be useful if you have questions or concerns about caring for your loved one in between sessions.
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Takeaway
Therapy can also be helpful for the family and friends of a person experiencing this dissociative amnesia. With BetterHelp, you can be matched with a therapist who has training in dissociative amnesia and understands the effects it can have on the loved ones of a person affected by this condition. Take the first step toward getting support and reach out to BetterHelp today.
What are the 4 types of dissociative amnesia?
Dissociative amnesia can be separated into more than four types. According to some experts, there are six types of dissociative amnesia, including localized amnesia, selective amnesia, continuous amnesia, systemized amnesia, generalized amnesia, and dissociative fugue. Dissociative amnesia can also be categorized as either retrograde (difficulty connecting stored memories) or anterograde (difficulty creating and storing new memories).
What is the main cause of dissociative amnesia?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, dissociative disorders typically arise out of traumatic events, often in childhood. This may include emotional abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, or another traumatic or stressful event.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 and can be reached by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), texting “START” 88788, or chatting with a representative.
What does dissociative amnesia feel like?
An individual with dissociative amnesia may experience significant gaps in their memory. They might lose long periods of time, block out specific events, or forget certain pieces of autobiographical information. How dissociative amnesia feels can depend on the type of memory impairment an individual experiences. In some cases, it can cause significant frustration and distress. In others, it may simply be a source of slight confusion.
Can a person with dissociative amnesia be cured?
While there is presently no cure for dissociative amnesia, the condition’s symptoms can be managed so that their negative effects are limited. Dissociative amnesia is commonly treated with psychotherapy, which can provide individuals with emotional support and help them identify and address potential sources of their symptoms. Additionally, medication may be prescribed to help alleviate other mental health conditions that may be related to dissociative amnesia.
What is an example of dissociative amnesia?
A common example of dissociative amnesia occurs when an individual survives childhood abuse and copes with the event by blocking out their memory of the experience. Subsequently, they may have no recollection of that period in their life, forget details from their past, or lose their memory entirely. In such cases, dissociative amnesia may be a standalone dissociative disorder or a symptom of a condition like acute stress disorder.
What are the 3 main symptoms of dissociative disorder?
The symptoms of dissociative disorders generally depend on which disorder an individual is experiencing. There are three types of dissociative disorders: dissociative identity disorder (previously called multiple personality disorder), depersonalization/derealization disorder, and dissociative amnesia. The most common symptom of dissociative disorders is the feeling of being detached from certain aspects of oneself. This disconnect could be related to one’s emotions, behaviors, self-or memories.
How can I tell if I have amnesia?
The most common indicator of amnesia is the existence of gaps in your memory. Missing memories may be related to long periods of time, certain events, or categories of information (e.g., specific places). Amnesia can also make it more difficult for you to store new information.
In some cases, you could develop a long gap in your memory. Or you may find that you don’t remember the names or faces of those around you. You might also forget details like directions or important dates. If you believe you’re living with amnesia, a healthcare professional can provide you with screenings and determine whether further testing, a diagnosis, and treatment are necessary.
How can you tell if someone has amnesia?
Though amnesia generally must be diagnosed by a healthcare provider, an individual may display certain signs that suggest memory impairment. The common symptoms of amnesia are difficulty remembering information and past experiences, confusion, and trouble creating new memories.
It can also help to know whether certain risk factors have been present in the individual’s life. For example, those who have experienced childhood trauma are at increased risk of developing dissociative amnesia. If you believe you or someone you know is living with amnesia, consider consulting with a healthcare professional.
How can you tell if someone is faking amnesia?
According to experts, it is sometimes possible to recognize when an individual is faking amnesia based on test responses, physiological indicators, and brain activity. Often, those who are feigning amnesia will purposely answer multiple assessment questions incorrectly—a pattern that may be uncovered by those evaluating the tests. Another common sign of lying about amnesia is dilated pupils. Additionally, certain brain regions are thought to be activated when an individual pretends to have amnesia.
What is the best therapy for dissociative amnesia?
Typically, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and related therapeutic modalities—like dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)—are used to treat dissociative amnesia. These forms of therapy can help people with dissociative amnesia address the maladaptive actions and emotions that may be associated with their memory challenges. For example, those who have survived natural disasters may engage in avoidance behaviors and experience intense fear, which could worsen symptoms of memory impairment; and understanding and addressing these concerns may help improve their symptoms.
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