Symptoms
Symptoms vary widely but often include:
Feelings of detachment from oneself or one's surroundings (depersonalization or derealization).
A sense of unreality.
Memory problems or gaps in recall (amnesia).
Confusion about identity.
Emotional numbing.
A sense of being separate from one's body.
Difficulties with sense of self, or identity.
Causes
The primary cause is thought to be severe trauma, particularly childhood abuse or neglect. Other factors that may contribute include:
Overwhelming stress.
Experiences of violence or natural disasters.
A genetic predisposition combined with environmental factors.
Medicine Used
There is no specific medication to treat dissociation directly. However, medication may be used to manage co-occurring conditions, such as:
Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs) for depression or anxiety.
Anti-anxiety medications (use with caution due to potential for dependence).
Mood stabilizers for mood swings.
Anti-psychotics (in low doses) for severe detachment or psychosis-like symtoms.
Precautions
Engage in therapy with a therapist trained in trauma and dissociation.
Develop coping skills for managing distress and flashbacks.
Create a safe and stable environment.
Practice self-care activities.
Avoid substance use, as it can worsen symptoms.
Learn grounding techniques to stay present.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of symptoms varies significantly. Some people experience short-lived episodes, while others have chronic, ongoing symptoms. The "outbreak" may refer to increase in symptoms during stressfull events. The timeline is highly individual.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves:
A thorough clinical interview by a mental health professional.
Assessment of dissociative symptoms using standardized questionnaires and scales (e.g., Dissociative Experiences Scale - DES).
Ruling out other medical or psychiatric conditions.
Gathering information about the person's history, including trauma history.
Observing the person's behavior and thought patterns.
Considering the DSM-5 criteria for UDD (symptoms cause significant distress or impairment, but do not meet criteria for other dissociative disorders).
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms is highly variable. Symptoms may:
Begin in childhood following trauma.
Emerge later in life, triggered by a stressful event.
Be episodic, with periods of remission and exacerbation.
Be chronic and persistent.
Change over time in nature and intensity.
Important Considerations
UDD is a complex condition that often co-occurs with other mental health disorders (e.g., PTSD, depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder).
Treatment requires a trauma-informed approach.
Building trust and safety in the therapeutic relationship is crucial.
Recovery is possible with appropriate treatment and support.
Self-harm and suicidal ideation are risks.
It's important to find a mental health professional with experience in treating dissociative disorders.