Dissociative Disorders

Several barriers may hinder the effective implementation and scale-up of these recommendations for dissociative disorders in children and adolescents:

• Stigma and misinterpretation: Families and schools may mislabel dissociative symptoms as behavioural problems or attention-seeking, which delays care.
• Cultural beliefs: In many settings, dissociation may be explained through spiritual or supernatural frameworks, leading families to seek non-medical care first.
• Resource limitations: There is a shortage of trained child psychiatrists, psychologists, and allied professionals skilled in trauma and dissociation.
• Access inequities: Rural areas and refugee populations often lack specialized services.
• Financial constraints: Psychotherapy and long-term care may not be accessible due to cost and specialized training gaps.

By addressing these barriers through awareness campaigns, training programs, tele-supervision, and integration of dissociation management into national child mental health policies, implementation can be strengthened.