The Dissociative escape Is a mental disorder characterized by loss of memory during one or several unexpected outflows. The person leaves, is in a new place and does not remember how to get there.

Usually the person can assume a new identity during departure and has escaped a stressful or traumatic situation.

Characteristics of dissociative leakage

The etiology of dissociative leakage is related to dissociative amnesia, which is characterized by memory block 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 that represents a previous trauma.

Symptoms of dissociative leakage

It is difficult to recognize a state of flight because the person's behavior seems normal.

Symptoms may be as follows:

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

Causes

Dissociative flight has been linked to a High level of stress , Which can be caused by traumatic events such as:

• Wars.
• Violence.
• Abuses.
• Accidents.
• Natural disasters.

Diagnosis

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

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 medical illness.

D) Symptoms cause significant clinical discomfort or social, occupational, or other significant areas of activity.

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 can be used, electroencephalogram Or blood tests to rule out other medical conditions or drug side effects.

Medical conditions such as brain injuries, brain diseases, sleep deprivation, and alcohol or drug abuse can cause symptoms similar to those of this disorder.

If no physical causes are found, the person can 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 arising from the disorder.

The person is then assisted in expressing and processing painful memories, developing new coping strategies, restoring normal functioning, and improving personal relationships.

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

• Cognitive Therapy : Change of irrational or dysfunctional thoughts that result in negative feelings and behaviors.
• Medication: There is no specific medication to treat this disorder, although it can benefit a person who also suffers from anxiety or depression.
• Family therapy : Educate the family about the disorder, improve skills to adapt to it.
• 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 must be studied, since there are several risks such as the creation of fake memories or remembrance of traumatic experiences.

Forecast

Most dissociative leaks are brief for less than a month. However, some cases may be several months.

Often the disorder is solved only and the prognosis is usually good. However, without treatment to solve the underlying problems, other leaks may occur.

Prevention

References

1. Dissociative Fugue (formerly Psychogenic Fugue) (DSM-IV 300.13, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition).
2. American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association. ISBN 9780890425541.
3. "Dissociative Amnesia, DSM-IV Codes 300.12 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition)." Psychiatryonline.com. Retrieved 2011-11-28.
4. 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.
5. Image source.