Dissociative Fugue Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

The dissociative fugue is a mental disorder characterized by memory loss during one or more unexpected outings. The person leaves, finds himself in a new place and does not remember how he got to that place. You can usually assume a new identity during departure and have fled a stressful or traumatic situation. 

The etiology of dissociative fugue is related to dissociative amnesia, which is characterized by memory blockage after exposure to traumatic or stressful events.

A person experiencing the leak may be exposed to:

• A stressful or traumatic event.
• The reappearance of an event or person representing a previous trauma.

Article index

• 1 Symptoms
• 2 Causes
• 3 Diagnosis
• 4 Treatment
• 5 Forecast
• 6 Prevention
• 7 References

Symptoms

It is difficult to recognize a fugue state because the person's behavior appears normal. Symptoms can be the following:

• Sudden and unforeseen trip away from home.
• Confusion or loss of memory about identity, with the possibility of assuming a new identity.
• Inability to recall past events or important information from the person's life.
• Extreme malaise and problems with functioning in daily life, due to leakage episodes.

Causes

Dissociative fugue has been linked to a high level of stress, which can be caused by traumatic events such as:

• Wars.
• Violence.
• Abuse.
• Accident.
• Natural disasters.

Diagnosis

A) The alteration of this disorder consists of sudden and unexpected trips away from home or work, with an inability to remember the past of the individual.

B) Confusion about personal identity, or assumption of a new identity (partial or complete)

C) The disorder does not appear exclusively in the course of a dissociative identity disorder and is not due to the physiological effects of a substance (drugs or drugs) or a general medical condition.

D) The symptoms produce significant clinical discomfort or social, occupational or other important areas of activity of the individual..

If there are symptoms of dissociative amnesia, the health professional will begin an evaluation with the medical history and a physical examination of the affected person..

There are no specific medical tests, although neuroimaging, EEG, or blood tests can be used to rule out other medical conditions or drug side effects..

Medical conditions such as brain injury, brain disease, lack of sleep, and alcohol or drug abuse can cause symptoms similar to those of this disorder..

If no physical causes are found, the person may be referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has the experience and training to evaluate, diagnose, and intervene..

Treatment

The first goal of treatment is to decrease symptoms and control problems resulting from the disorder..

The person is then helped to express and process painful memories, developing new coping strategies, restoring normal functioning, and improving personal relationships..

The treatment model depends on the specific symptoms and the person's situation:

• Cognitive therapy: changing irrational or dysfunctional thoughts that result in negative feelings and behaviors.
• Medication: There is no specific medication to treat this disorder, although a person who also suffers from anxiety or depression can benefit.
• Family therapy: educating the family about the disorder, improving coping skills.
• Other types of therapies to help the person express their feelings and thoughts.
• Clinical hypnosis: includes intense relaxation and concentration techniques to achieve an altered state of consciousness, allowing the person to explore their thoughts, emotions and memories that they have been able to block from their conscious mind. Its use should be studied, since there are several risks such as creating false memories or recalling traumatic experiences.

Forecast

Most dissociative leaks are brief lasting less than a month. However, some cases can last several months..

The disorder often resolves on its own, and the prognosis is usually good. However, without treatment to fix the underlying problems, other leaks can occur..

Prevention

Prevention itself is not possible, although it is helpful to start treatment as soon as symptoms are observed.

Therefore, immediate intervention after a stressful or traumatic experience is important to reduce the possibility of such a disorder..

What is your experience with this disorder? I am interested in your opinion. Thanks!

References

1. Dissociative Fugue (formerly Psychogenic Fugue) (DSM-IV 300.13, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition).
2. "Dissociative Amnesia, DSM-IV Codes 300.12 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition)". Psychiatryonline.com. Retrieved 2011-11-28.
3. Allen, Thomas E., Mayer C. Liebman, Lee Crandall Park, and William C. Wimmer. A Primer on Mental Disorders: A Guide for Educators, Families, and Students. Lantham, MD: Scarecrow Press, 2001.