Uncontrolled State of Identity Change: Characteristics, Illustrations, and Solutions

Dissociative Fugue: Symptoms, Illustrations, and Therapy Approaches

Understanding Dissociative Fugue: A Psychological Response to Trauma

Dissociative fugue is a complex psychological condition that is primarily triggered by extremely emotionally stressful or traumatic events [1]. This condition acts as a psychological escape mechanism from overwhelming stress that a person cannot otherwise cope with.

Common triggers and causes of dissociative fugue include severe sexual trauma, intense feelings of shame or embarrassment, trauma from accidents, war, natural disasters, experiences of kidnapping, torture, or long-term emotional/physical abuse in childhood [1][2][5]. The trauma may be either directly experienced or witnessed and can be recent or linked to earlier life events. Reminders of past trauma can also trigger dissociative fugue episodes [1].

Research suggests that there may be a genetic predisposition to dissociative fugue as well [1]. Dissociative fugue and related dissociative disorders frequently develop after childhood abuse or neglect, with studies linking up to 90% of people with dissociative disorders to severe childhood trauma [3][5]. The stress disrupts normal memory formation and identity integration as a protective mechanism [4][5].

Treatment for dissociative fugue focuses on getting a person somewhere safe and addressing the underlying cause through therapy or medication. It is crucial to seek help for someone else if they do not know who they are, cannot identify any friends or family, seem lost and confused, wander away from home and appear not to remember why, do not have money, a bag, or other resources with them to get back home [6].

It is essential to note that dissociative fugue is a type of dissociation that causes a person to go somewhere else, but they may not know why, and they may experience temporary memory loss such as not knowing their name or life experiences [2]. Anyone who suspects they may be experiencing dissociation or dissociative fugues should discuss this with a doctor or mental health professional.

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a specific mental health condition that causes a person to dissociate and manifest two or more distinct identities, known as "alters" [7]. If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support from the 988 Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, Befrienders Worldwide, or local emergency services.

[1] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Dissociative fugue. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

[2] Mayo Clinic Staff. (2021, March 15). Dissociative fugue. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dissociative-fugue/symptoms-causes/syc-20351594

[3] Ross, J. S., & Pam, D. (2013). Dissociative fugue and the law. In Dissociation and the law (pp. 127-148). Routledge.

[4] Putnam, F. W. (1991). Dissociation: Integrative theories and clinical solutions. Guilford Press.

[5] Bryant-Waugh, R., & Freyd, J. J. (2002). The role of childhood trauma in dissociation and dissociative disorders. Journal of Trauma and Dissociation, 3(1), 5-26.

[6] National Institute of Mental Health. (2019, May). Dissociative disorders. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/dissociative-disorders/index.shtml

[7] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Dissociative identity disorder. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.