Dissociative Disorders MCQs

The above case scenario is suggestive of dissociative amnesia. The main feature of dissociative amnesia is an inability to recall important autobiographical information , usually of a traumatic or stressful nature, that is inconsistent with ordinary forgetting. Dissociative amnesia can occur in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , however other symptoms should be present as well to fulfil the criteria for the same. (Option B) In malingering, there is usually a secondary gain. (Option C) Reference: Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th edition, Chapter 12, Dissociative disorders, Page number 452.

Ordinary forgetfulness, infantile and childhood amnesia, amnesia for sleep and dreaming and hypnotic amnesia are non-pathological forms of amnesia. (Option A, C & D) Dissociative amnesia is pathological. Reference: Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th edition, Chapter 12, Dissociative disorders, Page number 452.

Treatment option out of these, in dissociative disorders is hypnosis. Hypnosis can be useful for accessing specific alter personality states and their sequestered affects and memories. Hypnosis is also used to create relaxed mental states in which negative life events can be examined without overwhelming anxiety. Reference: Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th edition, Chapter 12, Dissociative disorders, Page number 461.

Possession trance , involves single or episodic alternations in the state of consciousness , characterized by the exchange of the person's customary identity with a new identity usually attributed to a spirit, divine power, deity, or another person. In this possessed state, the individual exhibits stereotypical and culturally determined behaviors or experiences being controlled by the possessing entity. There must be partial or full amnesia of the event. The trance or possession state must not be a normally accepted part of a cultural or religious practice and must cause significant distress or functional impairment in one or more of the usual domains. Reference: Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th edition, Chapter 12, Dissociative disorders, Page number 463.

Depersonalization can result from a Medical condition Neurological condition Intoxication Withdrawal from illicit drugs Side effect of medications Panic attacks Phobias PTSD Acute stress disorder Schizophrenia Dissociative disorder Drug related depersonalization is typically transient, but persistent depersonalization can follow an episode of intoxication with a variety of substances, including marijuana, cocaine, and other psychostimulants However, it is rarely seen with caffeine use disorder Reference: Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, Eleventh edition, Chapter 12, Dissociative disorders, Page 456