What is dissociation: a curious phenomenon of our mind

Dissociation is a mechanism that the brain applies to separate itself from immediate reality. It is very possible that you relate this term to pathological events, cas the need to disconnect from the emotional pain associated with trauma. Now, it should be noted that this process of momentary distancing is something that we all do on more than one occasion.

An example of this is becoming so absorbed in a movie or piece of music that, for a moment, you are not aware of anything else. However, it is obvious that this discontinuity in the normal integration of consciousness almost always has a problematic connotation. Behind it is post-traumatic stress and a wide spectrum of disorders. We suggest you delve deeper into this topic.

«The attempt to escape from pain is what creates more pain»

What is dissociation?

Dissociation is a defense mechanism of the brain in which the connection with one’s own internal and external reality is interrupted. There is a discontinuity in the normal processing of your memory, identity, emotions and perceptions. In addition, This psychological condition appears as a symptom of a large number of mental health problems.

People with borderline personality disorder (BPD) or schizophrenia also often show it. On the other hand, works published in Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience emphasize that this clinical reality is very present in the population. This is a somewhat neglected phenomenon that carries a substantial risk of suicidal and self-destructive behavior.

It should be noted that this state of alteration accumulates more and more research over the years. There is an evident clinical need to clarify it much more, given that its presence is very frequent and more effective coping resources are needed. Below, we detail how it usually manifests itself.

Associated symptoms

Dissociation appears in a very broad kaleidoscope of symptoms that do not have to occur at the same time. In general, the level of attention is distorted and the person suffers a complete alteration of time and space, while the behavior becomes automated. An example of this is driving aimlessly, and without being fully aware of what you are doing or where you are going.

As you can well deduce, these experiences are terrifying for those who suffer them. It involves realizing that, for a moment, you have no control over yourself and that things have happened that you don’t remember. Detecting the symptoms is the first step to taking action. Take note.

1. Depersonalization

Depersonalization is a phenomenon that occurs when a person does not recognize themselves in their own body or mind. There is a feeling of absolute detachment and he experiences it as if he were an external observer of himself. Example of this is look in the mirror and not recognize yourself or even feel that you are not connected to the physiological plane.

Works published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience point out that this phenomenon, like derealization, is also accompanied by a process of disembodiment. That is, you do not notice your own physical sensations. In turn, a dulling of emotional responses appears.

2. Derealization

In the case of derealization, you have the perception that what surrounds you is not real; It’s like being suspended in a dream dimension. The confusion is immense and disturbing. You perceive the world in a distorted and distant way, without being able to do anything about it. An example would be hearing someone calling you from afar and not knowing if that is happening or not.

3. Dissociative amnesia

Dissociative amnesia is the inability to remember relevant autobiographical information.. The person may forget his birthday, his wedding date, or even parts of her life. Now, this type of memory failure is different from daily forgetting, since it is a pathological process that completely alters general functioning.

Research published in Frontiers in Psychiatry indicates that this memory loss can be focal or global. What is striking is that there are neurological alterations that correlate with this process. An example of this is showing low activity in the inferolateral prefrontal cortex and in the hippocampal regions.

4. Confusion and alteration of identity

Identity confusion occurs when you doubt who you really are.. Distortions appear in time, space and situation. An example of this is thinking that you are ten years younger or not being clear about what you do. The confusion is so immense that the feelings of perplexity for not knowing who you are are accompanied by a blockage and great conflict.

5. Dissociative fugue

Dissociative fugue is a rare dissociative phenomenon in which the person forgets their identity and may even assume a new one. If the latter occurs, more affiliative and uninhibited traits will appear than those that characterized the previous personality. However, it should be noted that not many cases are described.

The Review of the Spanish Association of Neuropsychiatry describes that, in general, it can manifest itself in three ways: biographical amnesia, change of identity and settling in a strange place.

5. Somatization

Severe dissociative states often cause psychological problems that affect the health of the body.. In these cases, the most common thing is that they manifest themselves through psychosomatic disorders, such as gastrointestinal problems or muscle pain; as well as they can trigger dermatological or metabolic alterations.

6. Other associated symptoms

In addition to the clinical entities described, Patients who suffer from dissociation usually suffer from a very varied symptomatological picture. These characteristics completely interfere with psychosocial functioning. We describe them to you:

constant anxiety and emotional discomfort, suicidal ideation appears, self-harm, feeling of danger and constant anguish, sleep disturbances, such as nightmares, anhedonia or inability to feel pleasure, changes in rest and eating, having flashbacksthat is, brief memories of traumatic events.

Causes of dissociation

Some dissociation phenomena are not pathological. However, as we pointed out at the beginning, the spectrum of psychological conditions that include this reality is immense. Staying absorbed for a few seconds during a conversation with someone is not the same as going to work and ending up on the beach without knowing how or why.

The causes that orchestrate this reality are multiple and They are a combination of psychosocial, environmental, genetic and neurological factors. We describe them below:

psychological trauma: abuse, child abuse, violence or any adverse experience can trigger dissociation. In these cases, the mind resorts to this mechanism to protect itself from overwhelming pain that it cannot process, and that interferes with normal functioning.Extreme stress: Accumulating many years of persistent stress and anxiety can also trigger this psychological reaction. With it, the brain can disconnect for a moment from that emotional charge and protect itself.Defense mechanism: We have described it to you throughout the article. Dissociation can be an unconscious psychological mechanism with which to navigate and face complicated events dominated by negatively valenced emotions.Genetic and biological factors: There are people with a genetic predisposition to this type of process. These are generally brains with greater vulnerability to stressful events. They live them with great intensity and helplessness, without adequate coping or resilience mechanisms.Brain: Studies published in Current Psychiatry Reports indicate that dissociation occurs with an alteration of the cortico-limbic brain system, that is, with dysfunctions in the amygdala and its connection with the anterior cingulate cortex.

Complications of pathological dissociation

When dissociation is pathological and untreated, there is a higher risk of developing complications. These are indicators that must be acted upon quickly in order to offer adequate psychological treatment:

suicidal thoughts and behavior, self-harm, alcohol and drug abuse disorders, depression and anxiety disorders, eating disorders (ED), physical symptoms such as lightheadedness or non-epileptic seizures, significant difficulties in personal relationships and at work .

How to deal with dissociation?

Dissociative episodes require attention and it is most advisable to resort to psychological therapy. In addition, there are also everyday strategies that you can use. However, it is a priority that you request specialized help so as not to lead to a more serious clinical condition. We describe these coping keys to you.

1. EMDR Therapy

The approach based on eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is a very useful model in these cases. EMDR therapy is very effective in the treatment of trauma. We cannot ignore the fact that dissociation is usually a consequence of these adverse realities.

Both the World Health Organization and Frontiers in Psychology highlight its usefulness in a wide number of traumatic events, which makes it a highly valuable tool in these situations.

2. Keep a journal

Keep a diary and write down your memories, sensations and reactions in it will allow you to understand the origin of your emotional disconnection. Furthermore, through writing you can train your memory and better clarify your thoughts and needs.

3. Make visualizations

Visualization is a useful technique that will allow you to find a point of calm in difficult and stressful times. When you feel overwhelmed by negatively valenced emotions, anchor your mind to a positive and relaxing image. This will prevent your brain from resorting to dissociation.

4. Practice mindfulness

Be in the present and enjoying the here and now can be a good strategy to address mental disconnection of dissociation. In these cases, meditation, relaxation techniques and activities such as yoga are also useful to deal with dissociative crises.

5. Take care of your physical and mental health

Physical and mental well-being goes hand in hand with good nutrition, having routines that structure your days, practicing sports and enjoying social connection. In this way, and added to psychological therapy, you can reduce the symptoms associated with any mental health problem.

What to do if we feel identified with any of the symptoms of dissociation?

As we have indicated, dissociation is not always pathological. Just because from time to time you realize that you haven’t listened to your partner or become absorbed to the point of missing the subway, doesn’t mean you need therapy. We all live moments like this. Now, there are other symptoms that do invite concern.

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