DSM Criteria

Dissociative amnesia is characterized by the inability to important personal information, usually following an extremely stressful or traumatic experience and the memory impairments are not caused by ordinary forgetting, nor can it be explained by another disorder (i.e., PTSD, head trauma). The inability to recall events is distressing for the individual.

Dissociative , once a separate disorder, is a subtype of amnesia that involves a temporary or permanent loss of one’s personal .

Etiology

Though the cause is unknown, it is strongly correlated with , suggesting that a person experiencing extreme stress (due to a traumatic or extreme stressor) may experience dissociative amnesia, possibly as a coping mechanism.

Treatment

Cognitive and psychodynamic therapy are the most common techniques applied in treatment of dissociative amnesia and dissociative fugue; however, hypnotherapy and drug-assisted interviews are also used to assist with memory recovery. Attempts are made to elicit stressors preceding the disorder, and psycho-education is given to both the patient and family. However, if the patient is still in a fugue state, the first concern is to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient.