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Dissociative disorders and schizophrenia are both serious mental health conditions.
Schizophrenia is a condition marked by disturbances in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Keep reading to learn more about the differences between dissociative disorders and schizophrenia.
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If you experience symptoms of these conditions, consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms of Dissociative Disorders vs. Schizophrenia
People with schizophrenia and dissociative disorders may experience some similar symptoms.
Shared symptoms may include hearing voices, memory loss, and feeling disconnected from the self and others.
Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment.
However, people with dissociative disorders are more likely to experience depersonalization, derealization, and memory loss.
Another notable difference is that people with schizophrenia are more likely to experience problems with cognitive functioning.
Research is ongoing, but a few different factors have been implicated in causing each of these conditions.
Causes of Schizophrenia
There isnt one singlecause of schizophrenia.
This might be military combat or physical or sexual abuse, experiences of which overwhelm the brain.
The disorder may grow worse when an individual is under significantstress.
Who Is Affected and When?
Both schizophrenia and dissociative disorders are relatively uncommon.
They are also at a higher risk for substance use.
Each punch in of dissociative disorder has different average onsets and frequencies.
Studies indicate that dissociative symptoms do not differ between genders.
Your specific diagnosis will depend on the pop in of symptoms you present with.
Individuals who do not think they have a problem are less likely to be compliant with their treatment.
That may mean higher relapse rates, increased involuntary admissions to psychiatric hospitals, and poorer psychosocial functioning.
Each has its own set of diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5.
Individuals with dissociative disorders may function normally part of the time.
Neither schizophrenia nor dissociative disorders can be cured, but they can be managed in a variety of ways.
Treatments often involvetherapy, medication, and support.
Hospitalization might be necessary for the safety of the person with schizophrenia as well as those around them.
Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment.
Dissociative Disorder Treatments
Dissociative disorders are commonly treated with talk therapy.
Treatment options may include:
Antidepressants or other medications may also be used.
Such symptoms can help people manage symptoms of anxiety anddepressionthat may occur alongside dissociative symptoms.
Complications
Individuals with schizophrenia are at a higher risk ofsuicide.
Suicide can also be a serious issue for individuals with dissociative disorders, particularly dissociative identity disorder.
More than 70% of individuals with dissociative identity disorder have attempted suicide.
Multiple suicide attempts are common, and so isself-injury.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Prevention of Dissociative Disorders and Schizophrenia
There is no sure-fire way to prevent schizophrenia.
The condition is strongly linked to genetic influences and brain differences.
However, it may be possible to reduce the risk by avoiding environmental risk factors such as substance use.
Getting a proper diagnosis is important because the treatments for schizophrenia and dissociative disorders can vary.
Schizophrenia is generally treated with antipsychotic medication, while dissociative disorders are treated primarily with talk therapy.
Keep in Mind
Both schizophrenia and dissociative disorders are highly misunderstood conditions.
With proper treatment, people living with schizophrenia or dissociative disorder can lead productive, rewarding lives.
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