Exploring treatment and therapy options for dissociative disorders

Dissociative disorders are mental health conditions characterized by an involuntary disconnect from your thoughts, feelings, environment, identity, and memory. Collectively, this experience is referred to as dissociation, and it typically occurs in the aftermath of trauma. 

Dissociative disorders are different from the common, everyday dissociation most people experience once in a while, like when you’re daydreaming. People with dissociative disorders experience a detachment from reality that negatively affects their well-being, relationships, and ability to function in daily life. 

Fortunately, there are effective therapies for these conditions. While it might take some time to find the best treatment for you, with the right support, you can learn to stay grounded in the present, overcome the effects of trauma, and prevent dissociation.

Can dissociative disorder go away without treatment?

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), it’s possible for dissociative disorders to go away on their own. But it’s unlikely. Most people with these conditions need ongoing support to manage their mental health.

It’s also important to remember that experiencing an episode of dissociation doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a mental health condition. Research shows that while up to 75% of people will experience an episode of dissociation in their lifetime, only 2% will meet the diagnostic criteria for a dissociative disorder.

The care you need, when you need it

Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey

Subscribe

I agree to receive emails from Rula and accept the terms outlined in Client Email Consent and Privacy Policy.

How are dissociative disorders treated?

Living with a dissociative disorder can be a difficult experience. But many people with these conditions can address their symptoms with the right support. Unlike some of the inaccurate portrayals of these conditions in media, it’s very possible to live a full, productive life with a dissociative disorder.

As you explore your options for care, know the exact treatment your providers will recommend is based on your unique strengths and challenges. However, some of the most common interventions used to treat dissociative disorders include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people identify and interrupt the negative thought patterns that often accompany dissociation. It can also be used to raise awareness of triggers, improve self-awareness, and develop new coping skills.

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is often used to help people improve their emotional regulation. Cultivating greater stability may help reduce the desire to “escape” or dissociate. DBT also emphasizes creating a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship before moving into trauma-focused aspects of treatment.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) 

People with dissociative disorders may benefit from eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) because of its ability to alleviate the distress that accompanies traumatic memories. During an EMDR session, a person recalls a traumatic event while engaging in bilateral stimulation, like guided eye movements. This stimulation helps the person reprocess the event and reframe what it means to them in the present. 

Medication

Currently, no approved medications are used to treat dissociative disorders. However, medications can be used to improve symptoms of co-occurring mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and other challenges. If you’re curious about medication, you can talk to your provider about whether it might be the right option for you.

Coping strategies for dissociative disorder

In addition to seeking therapy or psychiatric care, there are some individual coping strategies you can use to help you cope with dissociative disorders.

• Consider your triggers. If there are specific people, places, situations, or events that might trigger a dissociative episode, it’s OK to avoid them if possible. Eventually, as your coping skills improve, your triggers might not be as powerful. But in the meantime, it’s OK to steer clear of them.
• Strengthen your support system. Living with a mental health condition like a dissociative disorder can be an isolating experience. Talking to people who understand what you’re going through, like in a support group, can help you feel supported and less alone.
• Write it down. Journaling can be a powerful practice for people navigating a mental health condition, including dissociative disorders. It can increase your self-awareness, improve your memory, and help you integrate your identities (if you have dissociative identity disorder).
• Prioritize your well-being. Support your mind and body through getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, and making time for movement you enjoy.  

Find care with Rula

Dissociation can take many different forms. It can impact identity, create memory problems, and disconnect a person from their thoughts, feelings, and environment. 

Dissociative disorders form when a person repeatedly dissociates as a way of psychologically escaping potential harm. Over time, this can negatively affect their mental health, relationships, and ability to function in daily life. So if you or someone you care about is struggling with dissociation, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

When you need affordable, accessible mental health care for dissociation or any other issue, we want to welcome you to Rula. With our streamlined therapist-matching program, you can quickly and easily browse our network of over 10,000 providers to find the right support for your needs. Starting today, you can sort through your options, select your preferred therapist or psychiatrist, and make your first live video appointment for as soon as tomorrow. And if you have any questions or concerns, we’ll always be there to offer support along the way.

Find a therapist with Rula