PTSD and Dissociative Disorders: Exploring the Connection
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and dissociative disorders are mental health conditions that can develop as a result of dire experiences. Profoundly impacting the victim’s life, these disorders go on to affect relationships, careers, and overall well-being. With the two problems working in tandem, mental health therapists often have difficulty diagnosing and treating such problems. After all, trauma as a whole is complex, and the way it affects the brain and a person’s behavior makes things even more complicated when trying to understand these afflictions. For this reason, a better understanding of these conditions can help professionals be more proactive, putting into practice prevention and treatment strategies so as to support trauma victims.
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a disorder often occurring in those people who have experienced or seen a frightful event. It could be an earthquake or other natural disaster, a sexual assault, or even war. This condition often manifests itself in flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional reactions when someone is reminded of the event. People who suffer from this condition may also go out of their way to avoid events or situations that remind them of the trauma and affect them negatively. Some people face such intense reactions they require residential mental health treatment.
What are Dissociative Disorders?
On the same side of the coin, we have dissociative disorders. These disorders can take the form of memory loss (amnesia) and identity dysmorphia, wherein the person sees themselves and the world at large in a skewed manner. Symptoms often occur when the patient is looking for a way to cope with the overwhelming emotional pain and trauma.
The Link to Trauma
Trauma is the link that connects PTSD and dissociative disorders. Both conditions tend to spring up after a traumatic event, especially childhood or repeated events. When it’s a case of continuing trauma such as abuse or neglect (childhood or adult), the dissociative symptoms may be the only way for the person to survive mentally. The distress that comes from PTSD is known to trigger dissociative episodes as a way to cope with the onslaught of negative emotions.
When PTSD and Dissociative Disorders Happen Together
PTSD and dissociative disorders often show up at the same time, with a number of PTSD victims also suffering from dissociative disorder. With these conditions overlapping, doctors and therapists can find it hard to treat the condition. Symptoms of dissociative include feeling disconnected from yourself and the world and are common in PTSD as well. Conversely, those who suffer from dissociative conditions may also experience PTSD-like symptoms such as flashbacks.
Treatment Options
Treatment for PTSD and dissociative disorders usually takes the form of therapy and prescription medications. Therapies that focus on trauma, like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), can help people with PTSD process traumatic memories and learn coping skills. For dissociative disorders, treatment often aims to help the person bring together different parts of their identity and develop a clear sense of self. Treatment for dissociative disorders often happens in phases, starting with safety and stability before working on processing traumatic memories.
PTSD and dissociative disorders are complicated mental health issues that are both related to trauma. While they are different, they often happen together and can have similar symptoms. Understanding how PTSD and dissociative disorders are connected is important for figuring out the right diagnosis and treatment. By addressing the trauma and providing specific treatments, people with these conditions can work towards healing and recovery.
