What is the relationship between trauma and dissociative disorders?

The relationship between trauma and dissociative disorders is well established in psychiatric and psychological literature. Trauma often serves as a significant trigger for dissociation, which is a response where a person feels detached from their thoughts, feelings, or sense of identity. This dissociative response can be a coping mechanism that allows individuals to distance themselves from the emotional pain associated with traumatic events, helping to protect them psychologically in the short term.

Dissociative disorders, such as Dissociative Identity Disorder (previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder) and Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder, are frequently linked to experiences of severe trauma, particularly in childhood. Individuals with these disorders often report a history of abuse or other forms of traumatic experiences.

The notion that trauma can lead to a permanent loss of memory is not entirely accurate, as people may experience fragmented memories or amnesia surrounding the traumatic event, rather than a complete and permanent loss of memory. Furthermore, suggesting that trauma affects only a few individuals underplays the widespread impact trauma can have, as many people may experience significant trauma in their lifetimes and a substantial portion of those may experience dissociative symptoms. Lastly, the assertion that trauma has no impact on mental health contradicts the extensive evidence connecting traumatic