Although there are various causes of a dissociative state, a study in "Neuroendocrinology Letters" assesses a higher rate for a dissociative state in people who have experienced trauma or substantial stress. The person dissociates herself as a coping mechanism to avoid confronting the problem, but there are consequences of dissociation, such as avoiding the issue or issues of concern. There are a number of approaches to treating the disorder.
Definition
A dissociative state of depression is a term used to describe a form of depression in which a person feels that she has lost touch with reality or "dissociates" herself from her environment physically, emotionally or mentally. Mind Parts, however, explains that a person in a dissociative state also can have periods in which he appears present and functional.
Dynamics
A person in a dissociative state usually shows other behaviors, such as maladaptive and distorted thinking, and assumptions and beliefs that can lead to self-destructive behavior. A study described in the journal "Child Abuse and Neglect" identifies psychological abuse in childhood as having a profound influence on the likelihood of adolescent and adult depression with dissociative phases. Rape also has been found to contribute to the state among women in some cases.
Impact
A person in this state often appears numb to the world. She is, in fact, disassociating herself and often might neglect caring for herself and neglect dependent family members. It also impacts interpersonal relations. There are often associated mood swings when a person enters and exits a state of dissociation. Mind Parts says a person suffering from the condition is often viewed as not being able to function consistently at a normal level, which causes stress and concern among family members.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Because many studies associate trauma with a dissociative state, several therapies center their approaches on locating the source of the detached state, starting with trying to determine if there has been trauma. The Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has found that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps clients learn to question, analyze and ultimately shift distorted thinking, assumptions and beliefs that can lead to negative emotions and self-sabotaging behavior associated with a dissociative state.
Psychotherapy and Alternative Approaches
Psychodynamic psychotherapy, as a form of psychoanalysis, might be a suitable option for treatment as it examines the unconscious content of a client's psyche in an effort to relieve emotional pain. Sensorimotor psychotherapy uses bodywork, relaxation and stress reduction techniques to address long-term effects of brain and hormone responses to a traumatic event. Sensorimotor psychotherapy sometimes uses alternative therapies, such as yoga, karate or meditation. The "Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology" suggests hypnotherapy as an effective approach for dealing with any form of depression associated with trauma.
References
- "Child Abuse and Neglect": Dissociative States of Depression; Ferguson, Kathleen and Christine Dacey; 1997
- "Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology"; The Additive Benefit of Hypnosis and Cognitive--Behavioral Therapy in Treating Acute Stress Disorder; Bryant, Richard et al; 2005
- "Neuroendocrinology"; Depression, traumatic dissociation and epileptic-like phenomena; Petr, Bob et al.; 2005
- Mind Parts: Dissociative Depression
- Center for Addiction and Mental Health: Depression Treatment
