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