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Learning Objectives
BiologicalWhile studies on the involvement of genetic underpinnings need additional research, there is some suggestion that heritability rates for dissociation rage from 50-60% (Pieper, Out, Bakermans-Kranenburg, Van Ijzendoorn, 2011). However, it is suggested that the combination of genetic and environmental factors may play a larger role in the development of dissociative disorders than genetics alone (Pieper, Out, Bakermans-Kranenburg, Van Ijzendoorn, 2011). CognitiveOne proposed cognitive theory of dissociative disorders, particularly dissociative amnesia, is a memory retrieval deficit. More specifically, Kopelman (2000) theorizes that the combination of psychological stress and various other biopsychosocial predispositions affects the frontal lobes executive system’s ability to retrieve autobiographical memories (Picard et al., 2013). Neuroimaging studies have supported this theory by showing deficits to several prefrontal regions, which is one area responsible for memory retrieval (Picard et al., 2013). Despite these findings, there is still some debate over which specific brain regions within the executive system are responsible for the retrieval difficulties, as research studies have reported mixed findings. Specific to dissociative identity disorder, neuroimaging studies have shown differences in hippocampus activation between subpersonalities (Tsai, Condie, Wu & Chang, 1999). As you may recall, the hippocampus is responsible for storing information from short-term to long-term memory. It is hypothesized that this brain region is responsible for the generation of dissociative states and amnesia (Staniloiu & Markowitsch, 2010). SocioculturalThe sociocultural model of dissociative disorders has been primarily influenced by Lilienfeld and colleagues (1999) who argue that the influence of mass media and its publications of dissociative disorders, provide a model for individuals to not only learn about dissociative disorders but also engage in similar dissociative behaviors. This theory has been supported by the significant increase in dissociative identity disorder cases after the publication of Sybil, a documentation of a woman’s 16 subpersonalities (Goff & Simms, 1993). These mass media productions are not just suggestive to patients. It has been suggested that mass media also influences the way clinicians gather information regarding dissociative symptoms of patients. For example, therapists may unconsciously use questions or techniques in session that evoke dissociative types of problems in their patient following exposure to a media source discussing dissociative disorders. PsychodynamicThe psychodynamic theory of dissociative disorders assumes that dissociative disorders are caused by an individual’s repressed thoughts and feelings related to an unpleasant or traumatic event (Richardson, 1998). In blocking these thoughts and feelings, the individual is subconsciously protecting himself from painful memories. While a single incidence of repression may explain dissociative amnesia, psychodynamic theorists believe that dissociative identity disorder results from repeated exposure to traumatic experiences, such as childhood abuse, neglect, or abandonment (Dalenberg et al., 2012). According to the psychodynamic perspective, children who experience repeated traumatic events such as physical abuse or parental neglect lack the support and resources to cope with these experiences. To escape from their current situation, children develop different personalities to essentially flee the dangerous situation they are in. While there is limited scientific evidence to support this theory, the nature of severe childhood psychological trauma is consistent with this theory, as individuals with dissociative identity disorder have the highest rate of childhood psychological trauma compared to all other psychiatric disorders (Sar, 2011). Key TakeawaysYou should have learned the following in this section:
Review Questions
This page titled 6.4: Dissociative Disorders - Etiology is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Alexis Bridley and Lee W. Daffin Jr. via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request. What are the 3 main factors that influence dissociative disorders?Dissociative disorders usually develop as a way to cope with trauma. The disorders most often form in children subjected to long-term physical, sexual or emotional abuse or, less often, a home environment that's frightening or highly unpredictable.
What is the etiology of dissociative identity disorder?The main cause of DID is believed to be severe and prolonged trauma experienced during childhood, including emotional, physical or sexual abuse.
What are some of the causes of and treatments for dissociative identity disorder?A note from Cleveland Clinic
The condition can cause memory loss, delusions or depression. DID is usually caused by past trauma. Therapy can help people manage their behaviors and reduce the frequency of identity “switches.” It's important for anyone with DID to have a strong support system.
What are the barriers to treating dissociative identity disorder?These barriers included structural barriers (e.g. financial; insurance; time constraints), dissociation-related concerns (e.g. fear of communicating with parts), negative beliefs about the self (e.g. 'I don't deserve help'), prior or anticipated negative experiences in treatment (e.g. provider not believing in ...
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