How long can a dissociative state last?

Periods of dissociation can last for a relatively short time (hours or days) or for much longer (weeks or months). It can sometimes last for years, but usually if a person has other dissociative disorders. Many people with a dissociative disorder have had a traumatic event during childhood.

Can you dissociate without knowing?

It’s possible to have dissociation and not know it. If you have a dissociative disorder, for example, you may keep your symptoms hidden or explain them another way. Common signs you or a loved one should watch out for include: Rapid mood swings.

Can you be aware while dissociating?

The difference from active avoidance (on purpose avoiding thinking about or doing something) is that dissociation tends to happen without planning or even awareness. Many times, people who are dissociating are not even aware that it is happening, other people notice it.

What happens if dissociation is left untreated?

Without treatment, possible complications for a person with a dissociative disorder may include: Life difficulties such as broken relationships and job loss. Sleep problems such as insomnia. Sexual problems.

Can dissociation make you unresponsive?

Dissociation is a tendency to unlink from the present moment, and disconnect (dis-associate) from what is going on. Everybody does this from time to time, when we stop concentrating or daydream. Some people do this in a more pronounced way, and may become vague, numb, or unresponsive.

What age does dissociative identity disorder develop?

Making the Diagnosis: Clinical Description The typical patient who is diagnosed with DID is a woman, about age 30. A retrospective review of that patient’s history typically will reveal onset of dissociative symptoms at ages 5 to 10, with emergence of alters at about the age of 6.

Is dissociation a part of borderline personality disorder (BPD)?

Dissociation does not have to be a part of borderline personality disorder. Oberg, B. (2011, October 31). Borderline Personality Disorder and Dissociation, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2021, September 8 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/borderline/2011/10/the-nowhere-express-borderline-personality-disorder-and-dissociation

How long do symptoms of dissociative disorders last?

You might have these symptoms for as long as the event that triggered them, or for a short time afterwards. This is called an episode. For some people these symptoms can last for much longer. If you have a dissociative disorder you might experience these symptoms for long episodes or even constantly.

What is the difference between dissociative disorders and dissociation?

Dissociative disorders are a mental illness that affects the way you think. You may have the symptoms of dissociation, without having a dissociative disorder. You may have the symptoms of dissociation as part of another mental illness. There are lots of different causes of dissociative disorders.

Can people with borderline personality disorder take the nowhere Express?

Many people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and dissociation as a symptom can hop on the Nowhere Express–in a very dangerous fashion. One of the symptoms of BPD, according to HealthyPlace.com, is “transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms” ( Description of Borderline Personality Disorder ).