Dissociative Disorders

Dissociation: Disruptions in consciousness, memory, identity, or perception, often in response to trauma or overwhelming stress.

Conversion Symptoms: Neurological-like symptoms (e.g., paralysis, seizures) without a medical basis, arising from psychological stress.

Trauma-Informed Care: An approach that emphasizes safety, trust, and avoidance of re-traumatization while recognizing the impact of trauma on behaviour and emotions.

Psychological First Aid (PFA): Immediate, supportive, non-intrusive care offered after traumatic events to promote safety, stabilization, and coping.

Stigma: Negative social attitudes or beliefs toward individuals with dissociative symptoms, leading to discrimination or treatment delays.

Regression: A return to earlier developmental behaviors (e.g., bedwetting, baby talk, clinging) in response to psychological stress or trauma, commonly observed in younger children with dissociative symptoms.

Trance-like State: An altered state of consciousness characterized by unresponsiveness to the external environment, fixed staring, or automatic behaviors, often observed in dissociative presentations or after traumatic events.