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Dissociative Amnesia

Memory loss for traumatic events, fugue states, psychotherapy

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Psikiyatri department. Book Appointment →

What is Dissociative Amnesia?

Dissociative amnesia involves memory loss inconsistent with normal forgetfulness, characteristically retrograde for autobiographical events of traumatic nature. Subtypes include localized amnesia (specific event or period), selective amnesia (some aspects within a period), generalized amnesia (entire identity), continuous amnesia (everything from a point forward), and systematized amnesia (specific category of information).

Dissociative fugue is a specifier involving sudden, unexpected travel away from home with inability to recall personal past, sometimes adopting new identity. Episode lasts hours to months. Recovery is usually spontaneous with restoration of autobiographical memory, although traumatic events may remain partially or completely inaccessible.

Diagnosis requires excluding neurological causes (head trauma, transient global amnesia, dementia, seizures) with neurological exam, brain imaging, EEG, and toxicology screening. Psychotherapy is mainstay treatment with focus on safe environment, gradual processing of trauma, and addressing comorbid PTSD or depression. Hypnotherapy can facilitate memory recovery. Pharmacotherapy targets comorbid conditions.

Symptoms

Inability to recall important personal information
Memory gaps for specific traumatic periods
Sudden travel with identity confusion (fugue)
No corresponding neurological cause
Distress or impairment due to memory loss

Risk Factors

Severe psychological trauma
Childhood abuse history
Combat exposure
Sexual or physical assault
Comorbid PTSD or depression

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • For sudden memory loss after traumatic event
  • For travel away from home with memory loss
  • For identity confusion or amnesia
  • After exclusion of neurological cause
  • For trauma-focused psychotherapy

Treatment Methods

01
Trauma-focused psychotherapy
02
Safe environment and supportive relationships
03
Gradual exposure and processing of trauma memories
04
Hypnotherapy in selected cases
05
Treatment of comorbid PTSD or depression
06
Antidepressants for comorbid mood disorder

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Psikiyatri department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.