What Does Dissociative Amnesia Feel Like? Symptoms, Treatment

08 Sep What Does Dissociative Amnesia Feel Like? Symptoms, Treatment

Try waking up one day and finding that you can’t remember certain key parts of your life — your name, say, or your past, or a traumatic event that shaped who you are.

That is the world of dissociative amnesia, a psychological disorder in which you suddenly become unable to recall certain events, often in response to extreme stress or trauma.

Dissociative amnesia is different from amnesia that results from a brain injury or certain illnesses.

It is caused by emotional distress from which the mind is protecting itself.

In this blog, we’ll explore what dissociative amnesia is, how it differs from selective amnesia, and the treatment options available to help those affected and their loved ones.

What Is The Dissociative Amnesia?

Dissociative amnesia is when a person can’t remember important personal information due to causes beyond ordinary forgetfulness or substance use.

This memory loss is not like forgetting where you put your keys; rather than resulting from a head injury or illness, it’s caused by psychological trauma or stress, such as abuse or a life-threatening experience.

Listed as a dissociative disorder in the DSM-5, dissociative amnesia can cause temporary or, in rare cases, prolonged gaps in memory.

These gaps often protect the mind from overwhelming emotional pain, but with proper support, recovery is possible.

Dissociative Amnesia Example: 

A 30-year-old woman, experiences a car accident but has no memory of the event or the hours leading up to it. Despite being physically unharmed, she cannot recall details like driving or the crash itself. After therapy, she learns this memory loss stems from the trauma of the accident, a classic case of dissociative amnesia.

Key Characteristics

• Sudden and unexplained memory loss
• Memory gaps related to a traumatic event
• Inability to recall personal information or some aspects of identity
• Episodes of dissociation or feeling disconnected from surroundings
• Emotional distress due to memory loss

Selective Amnesia vs Dissociative Amnesia

Dissociative amnesia and Selective amnesia both involve memory loss but differ in scope and cause.

Selective amnesia refers to forgetting specific details or parts of an event, often as a psychological defense against trauma, while retaining other memories.

Dissociative amnesia, a DSM-5 dissociative disorder, involves broader, sudden memory gaps for personal information, events, or identity, triggered by severe stress or trauma, not physical injury.

Selective amnesia is a subtype of dissociative amnesia, which can also include localized or generalized memory loss.

Both may cause emotional distress, but dissociative amnesia typically requires psychotherapy to address underlying trauma and recover memories.

Types Of Dissociative Amnesia

Dissociative amnesia can manifest in various forms of memory loss, affecting different aspects of a person’s life.

The types include the following:

1: Localized Amnesia:

• Involves an inability to recall events from a specific period, often surrounding a highly traumatic or stressful experience.
• The memory loss may cover a period ranging from hours to days.
• This is the most common type of dissociative amnesia.

2: Selective Amnesia:

• An individual may recall parts of an event while other details, often distressing or traumatic, remain inaccessible or forgotten.
• For example, a person might remember events leading up to a car accident but not the accident itself.
• This type is often associated with gaps in memory related to emotionally significant events.

3: Generalized Amnesia:

• A rare condition involving a complete loss of personal identity and life history, including forgetting one’s name, family, occupation, and other core personal details.
• Though uncommon, generalized amnesia can occur suddenly and may persist for an extended period.

4: Systematized Amnesia:

• Memory loss is restricted to a specific category of information, such as memories related to a particular person, event, or location.
• For example, a person who experienced childhood abuse may forget memories associated with the abuser.
• This selective memory loss serves as a psychological defense mechanism.

5: Continuous Amnesia:

• Involves an inability to recall events from a specific point in time up to the present. Unlike other types, lost memories cannot be recovered, and new memories may not form.
• Continuous amnesia is typically caused by extreme psychological stress or repetitive trauma.

Dissociative Amnesia Causes

Dissociative amnesia is typically triggered by psychological factors rather than physical injury.

It arises from specific experiences and conditions that can activate this disorder.

Traumatic Experiences:

• Dissociative amnesia may result from traumatic events such as assault, accidents, or witnessing violence.
• The brain may repress painful memories to protect the individual from overwhelming emotions.

Extreme Stress:

• Severe and prolonged stress, such as financial difficulties, job loss, or the sudden death of a loved one, can lead to memory impairment.
• Stress disrupts the brain’s ability to store and recall memories effectively.

Childhood Trauma:

• Experiences of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse or neglect during childhood can later manifest as dissociative amnesia.
• Childhood trauma often leads to dissociative symptoms, as affected individuals may use dissociation as a defense mechanism to cope with unbearable memories.

Mental Health Disorders:

• Individuals with conditions such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety disorders are more susceptible to dissociative amnesia.
• Co-occurring mental health conditions can exacerbate memory impairment and dissociative symptoms.

Substance Abuse:

• Alcohol or drug abuse can increase the likelihood of memory disorders and dissociative states.
• While not classified as dissociative amnesia, memory loss due to substance use can worsen existing symptoms.

Dissociative Amnesia Symptoms

What does dissociative amnesia feel like? While the experience is highly personal and can vary significantly from person to person, here’s a general overview of what it may feel like, based on clinical descriptions and anecdotal accounts:

Unexplained Memory Gaps:

• Memory gaps may occur related to traumatic or stressful events in an individual’s life.
• These gaps could involve specific conversations, activities, or an entire period of time.

Confusion or Disorientation:

• Individuals may feel confused about their surroundings and may not understand why they are in a particular place.
• Disorientation is most common in generalized or continuous amnesia.

Emotional Numbness:

• Emotional detachment from memories or feelings is a primary symptom.
• Individuals may appear indifferent or disconnected from past events.

Feeling Dissociated from Reality:

• Some individuals experience reality as if they were observing from outside themselves.
• This dissociative symptom, known as depersonalization, is often experienced alongside amnesia.

Inability to Recognize Close Persons or Familiar Places:

• Individuals may forget family members, friends, or familiar locations.
• This is particularly common in generalized and systematized types of amnesia.

Anxiety or Depression:

• Emotional disturbances, such as anxiety and depressive symptoms, are often present.
• The inability to recall memories can lead to frustration, sadness, and fear in the individual.

Sudden and Unexpected Travel (Dissociative Fugue):

• In rare cases, individuals may suddenly travel or wander off with no recollection of their past.
• During this state, the person may assume a new identity without awareness of their lost memories.

Risk Factors for Dissociative Amnesia

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing dissociative amnesia.

Identifying these factors can aid in early recognition and intervention for the condition.

History of Traumatic Events:

• Exposure to or experiencing traumatic incidents, such as physical or sexual abuse, accidents, or violent crimes, can trigger dissociative amnesia.
• The mind may use dissociation as a defense mechanism to block out such memories, protecting the individual from overwhelming emotions.

Family History of Dissociative Disorders:

• Individuals with a family history of dissociative disorders or other mental illnesses are more prone to developing the condition.
• A genetic predisposition, combined with environmental stressors, increases vulnerability.

Pre-existing Co-morbid Psychiatric Disorders:

• A diagnosis of severe depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or anxiety disorders often includes dissociative symptoms.
• Co-occurring mental disorders can amplify memory impairments, making recovery more complex.

Childhood Neglect or Abuse:

• Years of neglect, deprivation, or maltreatment during childhood can contribute to dissociative amnesia.
• Dissociation is a coping mechanism children may use to manage extremely unbearable situations, which can persist into adulthood.

Military Combat or Natural Disasters:

• Survivors of natural disasters or soldiers involved in combat may develop dissociative amnesia.
• The intense psychological stress from these life-threatening events often leads to memory suppression.

Dissociative Amnesia Diagnosis

The diagnosis of dissociative amnesia can be complex, as it shares features with other memory-related conditions, such as neurological disorders and substance-induced memory loss.

Mental health professionals follow systematic, comprehensive procedures for an accurate diagnosis.

Clinical Interviews:

• A comprehensive psychological and medical history is collected through interviews.
• Participants are asked a series of questions about their experiences, stressors, and memory lapses.

Psychological Evaluations:

• Assessments include structured questionnaires and memory tests to evaluate the extent of memory loss.
• Examples of measurement tools include the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES).

Differential Diagnosis:

• Differential diagnosis involves ruling out neurological conditions, such as traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, or dementia.
• Substance use and medication side effects are also considered, as they can cause memory disturbances.
• Imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans, may be conducted to exclude physical causes.

Confirming the Diagnosis:

• To diagnose dissociative amnesia, memory loss must not be attributable to physical health problems.
• Symptoms should significantly disrupt or impair the individual’s life.

Dissociative Amnesia Treatment

Dissociative amnesia is a memory loss due to trauma or stress and is best treated with a plan addressing both symptoms and underlying issues.

Effective treatment typically combines psychotherapy, medication, and supportive care.

1: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:

CBT helps patients identify and challenge distorted thought patterns related to their trauma, fostering coping strategies to manage anxiety and stress.

It is often considered among the best therapy for dissociative amnesia because it provides tools to address triggers and emotional distress.

2: Dialectical Behavior Therapy:

DBT is particularly beneficial for individuals with emotional dysregulation and self-destructive behaviors.

During therapy, patients are trained in mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

3: Trauma-Focused Therapy:

This therapy is designed to help individuals process specific traumatic memories, allowing them to manage and reintegrate these experiences.

Therapists create a safe space where individuals can confront and process their memories at their own pace.

4: Medication:

No medication directly treats dissociative amnesia, but certain drugs can help manage associated symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can stabilize mood, support therapeutic activities, and reduce overall discomfort.

5: Hypnotherapy:

Hypnosis may facilitate the recall of repressed memories through focused attention and relaxation techniques.

Under professional guidance, individuals may access traumatic experiences, laying the groundwork for memory retrieval.

6: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):

EMDR is particularly effective for individuals with trauma-related amnesia.

It uses guided eye movements to help patients reprocess traumatic events, making it a strong contender for the best treatment for dissociative amnesia in trauma-related cases.

7: Support Groups and Family Therapy:

Support groups provide a sense of community, understanding, and shared coping strategies among members.

Family therapy helps family members understand dissociative amnesia, enabling them to provide emotional support and foster a healthy recovery environment.

These treatments can help individuals diagnosed with dissociative amnesia recover memories at their own pace, addressing emotional distress and promoting overall well-being.

Consulting a psychiatrist in Patna Bihar can provide specialized support.

Living with Dissociative Amnesia

Dissociative amnesia can be a challenge, but it can be managed with the right strategies and support.

Below are some helpful strategies for coping with it:

Establish a Support Network:

• An effective support network is essential for emotional stability and healing.
• Family members, close friends, and mental health professionals can provide affirmation and empathy.
• Support groups may include others who share this experience, fostering a sense of belonging and resilience.

Practice Grounding Exercises:

• Dissociation can be difficult to manage, but grounding techniques can help.
• Meditation techniques, such as deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, and sensory awareness, can bring a person back to the present moment.
• Carrying a grounding object, such as an item with a calming texture or scent, can evoke a sense of connection.

Create a Routine:

• A predictable daily routine offers stability to reduce anxiety and ambiguity.
• Regular meal times, exercise, and a consistent sleep schedule can help a person feel more in control.
• Keeping a journal or calendar to record daily activities and memories can improve recall and provide reassurance.

Attend Therapy Sessions:

• Regular therapy sessions with a qualified mental health professional can aid in memory retrieval and emotional healing.
• A trauma-informed approach can be especially useful for processing traumatic memories gradually, without overwhelming the individual.

Be Patient and Self-Compassionate:

• Memory recovery is a process that takes time and requires patience.
• It is important to value progress made and practice self-kindness.
• Frequent therapy and medical support can provide encouragement on difficult emotional days.

Conclusion

Dissociative amnesia can be an obstacle, but it can also be handled with the right strategy.

A correct diagnosis is the key, and if treatment is teamed up with solid support a person can recover from memory loss and feel a sense of grounding.

Early detection of symptoms and consulting to experienced professionals are important for sustaining recovery in the long term.

If you or someone you know is struggling with memory or other dissociative symptoms, you’re not alone, and there’s no shame in seeking help.

Recovery is possible.

FAQs

1. Can I Be Aware I’m Dissociating?

Some individuals have awareness during dissociation, which can be confusing.

It may cause feelings of detachment from surroundings or emotions.

Some recognize the dissociation, while others do later. Memories during these episodes may be vague or missing.

Experiences may include derealization or depersonalization.

Therapy can enhance self-awareness and provide grounding techniques.

2. How To Regain Memories From Dissociative Amnesia?

Recovering memories typically involves therapy with emotional support, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Helps individuals challenge negative thoughts to improve memory recall in a safe environment.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: EMDR aids in processing traumatic memories by following a therapist’s fingers, suitable for those ready to confront their trauma.
• Hypnosis: Licensed therapists can use hypnosis to access subconscious memories, though it may not suit everyone.
• Grounding Techniques: Exercises like deep breathing and journaling can help restore lost memories.

3. Can Amnesia Be Caused by Depression?

Severe depression can cause memory issues, impacting concentration and decision-making, often reversed with proper treatment.

Unlike dissociative amnesia, which involves trauma-related memory loss without physical brain damage, both conditions can co-occur in depressed individuals.

Mental health professionals assess to differentiate between the two.

4. What is the Best Therapy for Dissociative Amnesia?

Trauma-focused therapies like TF-CBT, EMDR, DBT, hypnotherapy, and psychodynamic therapy are effective for dissociative amnesia, addressing trauma-related thoughts and emotions.

The best approach depends on the individual’s condition, symptom severity, and comfort with the therapy.

Consulting a mental health professional can help determine the most suitable treatment for recovery.

5: Is Dissociative Amnesia Real?

Yes, dissociative amnesia is a real and recognized mental health condition.

It is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a dissociative disorder.

It involves a genuine inability to recall important personal information, often following a traumatic event, that is not due to ordinary forgetfulness.

6: Can You Cure Dissociative Amnesia?

Dissociative amnesia is treatable, and for many people, memories can return spontaneously over time.

However, treatment with a mental health professional is crucial to help the person process the underlying trauma safely.

While some people may recover all of their memories, some may never fully regain them.

7: How Long Does Dissociative Amnesia Last?

Dissociative amnesia can last from minutes to days, or in rare cases, months or even years.

The duration often depends on the severity of the underlying trauma or stress.

In many cases, memories return suddenly, but for some, the recovery is more gradual.