Dissociative amnesia

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Dissociative Amnesia is a type of amnesia that involves disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, or perception. It is a condition that is often linked to severe stress, which may be caused by traumatic events such as war, abuse, accidents, or disasters. The individual may be unable to recall personal information and this may lead to distress and impairment. The condition is not due to a general medical condition and is not better accounted for by another mental disorder.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The main symptom of Dissociative Amnesia is memory loss that is more severe than normal forgetfulness and that can't be explained by a medical condition. The person may be unable to recall personal information and past experiences. They may also have difficulty remembering their identity and personal history. This can cause significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Causes[edit | edit source]

The exact cause of Dissociative Amnesia is unknown, but it is often linked to severe stress, which may be caused by traumatic events such as war, abuse, accidents, or disasters. The condition is thought to be a way for the mind to escape from the reality of the traumatic event.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of Dissociative Amnesia is usually made based on a detailed history of the patient and a clinical evaluation. The doctor may also use various diagnostic tests to rule out physical conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for Dissociative Amnesia often involves psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, and medication. Psychotherapy is a type of counseling that helps to process the traumatic event and learn new ways of coping. Cognitive therapy can help to improve memory and cognitive function. Medication may be used to treat any underlying conditions such as depression or anxiety.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Dissociative amnesia Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD