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Dissociative disorder

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A complex mental process known as dissociation allows children and adults to cope with a traumatic experience. "Dissociation" can take many forms, such as "blocking out" a painful experience from memory or feeling detached or "not in" one's own body. Repeated dissociation can result in the development of dissociative disorders. The development of dissociative disorders is commonly associated with repeated childhood trauma, such as abuse or neglect. Dissociative disorders change the way a person experiences reality and living. Treatment and therapy depends on the type of disorder and how severe it is.

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More information on dissociative disorder

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• Dissociative Disorders (Copyright © Mayo Foundation) — This publication describes the four main types of dissociative disorders: dissociative amnesia, dissociative identity disorder, dissociative fugue, and depersonalization disorder. It also explains risk factors, possible causes, and treatments.
  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dissociative-disorders/DS00574/DSECTION=symptoms
• Dissociative Disorders (Copyright © New York Online Access to Health) — This website has links to a thorough definition of dissociative identity disorder (formerly called multiple personality disorder), the symptoms and causes, as well as treatment options.
  http://www.noah-health.org/en/mental/disorders/dissociative.html
• Factsheet: Dissociation and Dissociative Disorders (Copyright © Mental Health America) — This fact sheet provides basic information about dissociative disorders and links to general information about where to get help if you are suffering from a mental disorder.
  http://www.nmha.org/index.cfm?objectId=C7DF8D4E-1372-4D20-C86C22067E838DF0
• Factsheet: Personality Disorders (Copyright © Mental Health America) — This fact sheet discusses the types of personality disorders, the causes, and possible treatment methods.
  http://mentalhealthamerica.net/index.cfm?objectid=C7DF9722-1372-4D20-C87E8C2FFBC9B85A
• Frequently Asked Questions: Dissociation and Dissociative Disorders (Copyright © ISSTD) — This web page answers frequently asked questions about dissociative disorders, including dissociative identity disorder, depersonalization, derealization, dissociative amnesia, and identity confusion and alteration. It also explains the causes of dissociation, treatments, and what to do if a friend or loved one has a dissociative disorder.
  http://www.isst-d.org/education/faq-dissociation.htm
• Mental Health Medications — This booklet is designed to help mental health patients and their families understand how and why medications can be used as part of the treatment of mental health problems.
  http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/mental-health-medications/index.shtml
• Mental Health Services Locator — This website will help you locate mental health treatment facilities and support services in your state.
  http://store.samhsa.gov/mhlocator

Connect with other organizations

• American Psychological Association
  http://apa.org/
• American Psychological Association
  http://www.apa.org/
• International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation
  http://www.isst-d.org/
• Mental Health America
  http://www.nmha.org/
• National Alliance on Mental Illness
  http://www.nami.org/
• National Institute of Mental Health Information Center, NIH
  http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/index.cfm

Content last updated September 22, 2009.

Resources last updated September 22, 2009.

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