Dissociative Disorders Treatment
Dissociative disorders are intricate psychological conditions that involve disruptions in a person’s thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory. These disorders often develop as coping mechanisms in response to traumatic experiences and can deeply affect an individual’s day-to-day life and emotional well-being.
At Evergreen Behavioral Health, we are committed to providing compassionate care for individuals facing dissociative disorders. Through our specialized treatment programs, we guide each person toward healing and long-term recovery.
Understanding Dissociative Disorders
Dissociative disorders encompass a group of mental health conditions characterized by a disconnection between a person’s memories, thoughts, sense of identity, perception, or awareness. These conditions are most often linked to severe trauma or overwhelming stress, particularly in early childhood. Dissociation serves as a psychological defense, allowing individuals to mentally distance themselves from distressing experiences. People with these disorders frequently report feeling disconnected from their body or environment, as if watching their life from the outside. While temporary dissociation—such as daydreaming—is normal, dissociative disorders are chronic, more severe, and interfere with normal functioning.
There are three primary types of dissociative disorders, each presenting unique symptoms:
- Dissociative Amnesia – This disorder involves an inability to recall significant personal information, typically related to trauma or stress. The memory loss exceeds typical forgetfulness and may last from minutes to years. In rare cases, individuals may experience dissociative fugue, a state in which they suddenly travel or wander away, sometimes adopting a new identity and forgetting their past.
- Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) – Previously known as multiple personality disorder, DID is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identity states or “alters,” each with its own thoughts, behaviors, and memories. Individuals may experience gaps in memory and feel as if their body or actions are being controlled by another identity. DID is most commonly linked to prolonged, severe trauma, particularly during childhood.
- Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder – This condition is marked by ongoing or recurrent episodes of depersonalization (feeling detached from oneself) and/or derealization (feeling as though the external world is unreal). While individuals are aware that these sensations are not truly real, they often find the experience unsettling and distressing.
Because the symptoms of dissociative disorders frequently overlap with conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression, they can be difficult to diagnose. However, with appropriate, trauma-informed care—including approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)—individuals can begin to process their trauma, reduce dissociative symptoms, and move toward reclaiming a cohesive sense of self.
Effects of Dissociative Disorders
Dissociative disorders can have a significant impact on nearly every area of an individual’s life—emotionally, physically, and socially. Although dissociation often begins as a psychological defense against trauma, it can evolve into a distressing and disruptive condition. Those affected may feel disconnected from themselves or the world around them, making it challenging to maintain daily routines, nurture relationships, or care for their own well-being.
Physical Effects of Dissociative Disorders
While dissociative disorders originate from psychological trauma, they frequently present with physical symptoms. Individuals may experience chronic fatigue, dizziness, headaches, or unexplained pain. These physical effects are often tied to heightened stress, irregular sleep patterns, anxiety, or disordered eating.
In severe instances—especially with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)—individuals may suffer from “missing time,” or memory lapses, which can result in disorientation, injury, or neglect of personal care.
Mental and Emotional Impact of Dissociative Disorders
Emotionally, dissociation can cause individuals to feel numb or detached from their thoughts, emotions, or sense of identity. This emotional disconnection often interferes with the ability to process feelings or express them clearly, leading to increased anxiety, confusion, and a diminished sense of self-worth. Coexisting conditions such as PTSD or depression frequently amplify these emotional challenges.
Memory disruptions are also a central feature of dissociative disorders. These can range from minor forgetfulness to significant memory gaps that obscure parts of one’s personal history. Such impairments can hinder performance in work or school and strain personal relationships. For individuals with DID, the emotional toll of alternating between different identities—especially when communication between them is limited or absent—can be profound. Without appropriate treatment, this internal struggle may lead to self-harming behaviors, suicidal ideation, or a pervasive sense of hopelessness.
How Dissociative Disorders Affect Social Life
Dissociative disorders often strain social connections and personal relationships. Emotional detachment and unpredictable symptoms can be difficult for loved ones to understand, potentially leading to confusion, tension, or distance. In the case of DID, shifts in mood, behavior, or identity may further complicate interactions, sometimes resulting in conflict or alienation.
Because of these challenges, many individuals begin to withdraw from social situations. Feelings of embarrassment, fear of judgment, or difficulty engaging with others may lead them to avoid school, work, or gatherings. This isolation can reduce their support network, increasing the risk of loneliness and emotional distress. Misdiagnosis and stigma surrounding dissociative disorders can also delay access to effective treatment, prolonging the recovery journey.
Signs of Dissociative Disorders
Dissociative disorders can present through a broad spectrum of symptoms that influence the body, behavior, and mental state. These manifestations may range from subtle to pronounced, often representing the mind’s attempt to manage intense psychological distress or trauma. Gaining insight into the physical, behavioral, and psychological signs of dissociation is key to early recognition and timely intervention, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.
Physical Signs of Dissociative Disorders
Though rooted in psychological causes, dissociative disorders frequently appear through physical symptoms that lack a medical explanation. These symptoms are commonly linked to stress and tend to intensify during dissociative episodes.
- Persistent fatigue or low energy
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Episodes of dizziness or feeling faint
- Digestive issues such as nausea or abdominal pain
- Unexplained pain, numbness, or tingling
- Irregular sleep patterns (e.g., insomnia or oversleeping)
- Noticeable shifts in appetite or body weight
- Physical injuries with no recollection of how they happened
Behavioral Signs of Dissociative Disorders
Changes in behavior are another hallmark of dissociative disorders. These shifts may be mistaken for other psychological conditions, as they often stem from memory loss, identity fragmentation, or disconnection from reality.
- Prolonged episodes of “zoning out” or appearing mentally absent
- Frequent memory gaps or unexplained blackouts
- Noticeable alterations in handwriting, speech, or demeanor
- Displaying distinctly different personalities, voices, or behaviors
- Engaging in unplanned travel or wandering with no memory of doing so (dissociative fugue)
- Withdrawal from social or professional responsibilities
- Engaging in self-harming or high-risk behaviors
- Difficulty maintaining steady relationships or employment
Psychological Signs of Dissociative Disorders
At the core of dissociative disorders are psychological disturbances that disrupt an individual’s identity, awareness, and emotional regulation. These experiences can be confusing, distressing, and isolating.
- Persistent feelings of detachment from one’s body or environment
- Sensation of observing oneself from outside the body
- Emotional numbness or a lack of affect
- Perceiving the world as unreal or dreamlike (derealization)
- A distorted perception of time, self, or reality
- Uncertainty or confusion about identity; feeling like more than one person
- Trouble focusing, making decisions, or retaining information
- Coexisting symptoms of anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress
How to Treat Dissociative Disorders
Successfully treating dissociative disorders requires a holistic, long-term strategy that not only targets symptoms on the surface but also addresses the deeper trauma at their core. The primary goal is to help individuals reclaim a cohesive sense of self, strengthen emotional resilience, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Effective treatment plans are personalized and typically combine therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and strong support systems to promote sustainable recovery and emotional well-being.
Therapy and Counseling
Psychotherapy is the foundation of dissociative disorder treatment, aiming to process traumatic experiences, foster emotional insight, and assist individuals—especially those with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)—in integrating fragmented parts of their identity.
- Trauma-Focused Therapy – Guides individuals in understanding and resolving the traumatic experiences that underlie dissociative symptoms.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps reshape negative thought patterns, manage anxiety, and improve emotional self-regulation.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – Teaches mindfulness, emotional resilience, and distress tolerance.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – Facilitates the reprocessing of traumatic memories that fuel dissociation.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) – Particularly helpful for DID, IFS supports communication and cooperation among different identity states or “parts” to promote internal harmony.
Medication Support
While there are no medications specifically designed to treat dissociative disorders, certain prescriptions can help manage related symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances. Medications are most effective when used in conjunction with therapy.
- Antidepressants (SSRIs) – Often used to ease co-occurring depression and anxiety.
- Anti-Anxiety Medications – May offer short-term relief for acute anxiety or panic attacks.
- Sleep Aids – Improve sleep patterns, which are essential for emotional and cognitive stability.
- Mood Stabilizers/Antipsychotics – Sometimes prescribed in cases of severe mood instability or coexisting psychiatric conditions.
Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care Practices
Integrating consistent self-care routines into daily life can help stabilize mood, reduce stress, and minimize the frequency or intensity of dissociative episodes.
- Regular Physical Activity – Naturally boosts mood and lowers stress levels.
- Consistent Sleep Habits – Supports better focus, memory, and emotional regulation.
- Mindfulness & Meditation – Encourages presence and grounding in the here and now.
- Journaling – Enhances self-awareness and helps track emotional patterns or triggers.
Social and Emotional Support
Strong, empathetic support networks are a key part of the healing process. Meaningful relationships offer grounding, encouragement, and a sense of safety for those navigating dissociation.
- Trusted Friends & Family – Offer emotional validation, consistency, and a sense of belonging.
- Peer Support Groups – Provide community and shared understanding among those with similar experiences.
- Therapeutic Community Programs – Deliver structured, trauma-informed care environments.
- Education for Loved Ones – Helps families understand dissociative symptoms and learn how to respond supportively.
Holistic and Complementary Therapies
Alternative therapies can enhance traditional treatments by fostering mind-body integration and offering additional paths to healing. These practices are most effective when used alongside core therapeutic methods.
- Art or Music Therapy – Provides a creative outlet for expressing emotions and processing trauma.
- Animal-Assisted or Equine Therapy – Encourages emotional bonding, trust, and regulation.
- Yoga & Breathwork – Improve body awareness and reduce tension.
- Massage or Acupuncture – Promote relaxation and physical grounding.
- Nature Therapy (Ecotherapy) – Reduces stress and clears the mind through engagement with the natural world.
Get Dissociative Disorder Treatment in South Portland, Maine
If you’re ready to take back control and move forward with strength, Evergreen Behavioral Health is here to help. Our compassionate team is dedicated to walking alongside you throughout your recovery journey, offering personalized care tailored to your unique needs. Through evidence-based therapies, holistic support, and a nurturing environment, we strive to create the foundation for lasting relief and personal transformation.
Call us at (888) 907-7290, email admissions@evergreenbh.com, or visit us in person at 707 Sable Oaks Drive in South Portland, ME (04106).
We’re here for you 24/7—you don’t have to face a dissociative disorder alone.