Dissociative fugue
Dissociative Fugue
Dissociative fugue, pronounced as /dɪˈsoʊʃiˌeɪtiv ˈfjuːɡ/, is a rare psychiatric disorder characterized by reversible amnesia for personal identity, including the memories, personality, and other identifying characteristics of individuality. The term is derived from the French word 'fugue' which means flight, and the Latin word 'dissociare' which means to separate.
Definition
A dissociative fugue is a state of mind where a person forgets their identity and past, but also creates a new identity. This is often triggered by a traumatic event and is most commonly observed in adults. It is a subtype of dissociative amnesia.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of a dissociative fugue is sudden, unexpected travel away from home or one's customary place of work, with inability to recall one's past. The person may appear normal and does not attract attention. The fugue can last from hours to months, often longer if onset is caused by a traumatic event.
Causes
The exact cause of dissociative fugue is unknown, but it is often linked to severe stress, which might be the result of traumatic events — such as war, abuse, accidents, disasters, or extreme violence — that the person has experienced or witnessed.
Treatment
Treatment for dissociative fugue is aimed at helping the person come to terms with the trauma or stress that triggered the fugue. Treatment options include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, and family therapy.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dissociative fugue
- Wikipedia's article - Dissociative fugue
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