Getting diagnosed with a dissociative disorder

Dissociative disorders are mental health conditions characterized by disruptions in memory, perception, identity, emotions, behavior, and sense of self. While anyone can experience mild dissociation (i.e. daydreaming or losing yourself in a book), people with dissociative disorders experience severe, chronic memory lapses or breaks from reality that significantly impact their daily functioning. 

Research suggests dissociative disorders affect between one and five percent of the population. However, evidence also suggests that they’re frequently misdiagnosed or undiagnosed, so these rates could be much higher. Given the seriousness of these conditions, it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms. With early detection, therapy, and ongoing support, people with dissociative disorders can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.  

How are dissociative disorders diagnosed?

There are three different dissociative disorders with distinct diagnostic criteria. To be diagnosed with one of these conditions, a medical or mental health provider will conduct an in-depth assessment. 

They will review your symptoms and personal history and may request you meet with a doctor to rule out any possible medical complications that could be contributing to your symptoms. For example, sometimes traumatic brain injuries can cause memory problems or dissociative episodes. Your provider will also want to explore your cultural background and/or religious beliefs, as these parts of your identity can impact how you experience dissociation.

Throughout the evaluation process, your provider will work to understand your symptoms and how they affect your life. The information they gather will help them determine whether your experiences reflect the diagnostic criteria for a dissociative disorder.

Key signs used to diagnose dissociative identity disorder include: 

• Having a fractured identity with at least two distinct identities or “alters” 
• Ongoing, significant memory gaps that are inconsistent with ordinary forgetting
• Experiencing significant distress or difficulty functioning as a result of symptoms

Key signs used to diagnose for dissociative amnesia disorder include: 

• An inability to remember a specific event or period of time
• An inability to recall certain aspects of an event or certain events within a period of time
• A complete and total loss of personal identity and life history 

Key signs used to diagnose for depersonalization-derealization disorder include: 

• Repeated episodes of depersonalization, such as feeling detached from your body, mind, or self
• Repeated episodes of derealization, such as feeling disconnected from your surroundings or perceiving the world as unreal

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Take the dissociative disorder test

If you’re concerned you might have a dissociative disorder, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. These conditions can be life-threatening* and typically require lifelong care. Please be advised that the following quiz may help you better understand your experience. But it’s not a substitute for psychiatric treatment or an evaluation from a medical or mental health professional.

*A note on safety: Dissociative disorders can carry an increased risk of suicidality. If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself, don’t hesitate to ask for help. You can contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 from any phone. Their counselors will provide confidential support and resources to help keep you safe.

Answer the following questions based on whether or not they accurately describe you and your experiences:

• Do you frequently feel disconnected from your physical self, as if you’re an observer to your own emotions, thoughts, and body?
  • Yes/No
• Does it sometimes feel like you’re living in a dream?
  • Yes/No
• Do you find it difficult to recall personal information about yourself and your past experiences?
  • Yes/No
• Do you experience memory gaps or blackouts, where you can’t recall certain actions, conversations, or events?
  • Yes/No
• Does your personality seem to shift between different states, so much so that it feels as if you’re experiencing life as more than one person? 
  • Yes/No
• Do you sometimes feel like you’re moving in slow motion or that the world around you feels unreal or distorted?
  • Yes/No
• Do these experiences cause significant difficulty or emotional distress in your daily life, such as problems with relationships, work, or social functioning?
  • Yes/No

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions it’s possible you may be experiencing symptoms of a dissociative disorder. Many mental health conditions share overlapping symptoms, so a professional evaluation is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and the best course of treatment.

What to do if you disagree with your diagnosis

Diagnosing dissociative disorders can be challenging.  These are complex and often misunderstood mental health conditions, and many providers have not received adequate training to recognize and diagnose them. However, it’s important to remember that understanding and treating dissociative disorders is constantly improving, with many effective treatments available.

So if you feel you haven’t received an accurate diagnosis, know you’re not alone. Getting a second opinion  is a positive step toward finding the right care. Look for a therapist you can connect with either in person or online who specializes in treating dissociative disorders. A specialist can provide an additional evaluation, listen to your concerns, and help guide you toward the right treatment options for your unique needs. With the right care and support, managing dissociative disorders and improving your quality of life is entirely possible.

Find care with Rula

Most people experience mild dissociation once in a while. But when it becomes chronic and severe, it could be a sign of a dissociative disorder. These conditions can create significant problems with memory and identity and lead you to feel disconnected from yourself and your environment. While dissociative disorders can be challenging to live with, early detection and ongoing support can improve outcomes. So if you’re concerned that you or someone you care about may have a dissociative disorder, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

When you need affordable, accessible care for a dissociative disorder or another mental health condition, we want to invite you to Rula. With a network of over 10,000 providers, we can connect you with a therapist who takes your insurance in just a few clicks. No matter the concern you’re facing, Rula makes it easy to access the specialized treatment you deserve. And, thanks to our convenient digital platform, you can access individual, group, or family therapy as well as psychiatric care as soon as tomorrow, all from the comfort of home.

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