Changes in brain function due to trauma may further explain the connections between these causes and conditions.
This article discusses the link between trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and dissociative disorders.
Click below to listen now.
Martin Dimitrov/Getty Images
This is an extremely strong link, suggesting that dissociation is a direct reaction to significant trauma.
However, not everyone who experiences childhood trauma will develop a dissociative disorder.
Dissociation without a real threat is a double-edged sword in a few ways.
It can interfere with relationships, work, and daily functioning.
But feels like children of certain sensitive ages are more likely to develop these disorders in response to trauma.
Certainly, the neurobiology of trauma and dissociation is an area where much research is needed.
Dissociative disorders usually result from trauma and stress in childhood, not adulthood.
To be diagnosed with this subtype, an individual displays symptoms of PTSD along with experiencing depersonalization and/or derealization.
Whendissociation occurs with PTSD, the symptoms of PTSD can intensify dissociation, but it is often short-lived.
While dissociative disorders are relatively common, most people are unaware that they are responding with these behaviors.
Fortunately, when recognized, recovery from dissociative disorders, PTSD, and childhood trauma is possible.
It frequently includes a combination of psychotherapy (such ascognitive behavioral therapyanddialectical behavior therapy) and medications.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
2013;73(4):302-12. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2012.08.022
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Dissociative disorders.
American Psychiatric Association.What are dissociative disorders?.
2015;10(5):e0127151.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0127151
Sar V.The many faces of dissociation: Opportunities for innovative research in psychiatry.
2014.12(3):171-79. doi:10.9758/cpn.2014.12.3.171
Kalsched D.Trauma, innocence and the core complex of dissociation.J Anal Psychol.
2011;41(3):181-197. doi:10.1080/19361521.2011.597079
Gillig PM.Dissociative identity disorder: A controversial diagnosis.Psychiatry (Edgmont).
2009;6(3):24-9.
American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
5th ed, text revision.
Washington, D.C.; 2022.