Which dissociative disorder involves memory loss for personal information usually related to trauma?

Which dissociative disorder involves memory loss for personal information usually related to trauma?

• A. Dissociative amnesia.
• B. Dissociative identity disorder.
• C. Post-traumatic stress disorder.
• D. Generalized anxiety disorder.

Answer: (A)

Memory loss for personal information usually related to trauma reflects a dissociative mechanism that disrupts autobiographical memory. This is exactly what dissociative amnesia describes: an inability to recall important personal information, typically of traumatic or stressful nature, that cannot be explained by ordinary forgetfulness and isn’t due to a medical condition or substance use. The memory gaps can be localized to a specific event or time period, or generalized to large portions of one’s life; sometimes they occur with a dissociative fugue, where a person unexpectedly travels or wanders with confusion about identity. This differs from dissociative identity disorder, which centers on the presence of two or more distinct identities that control behavior at different times, often with gaps in memory tied to switching between identities. PTSD involves re-experiencing, avoidance, negative mood changes, and hyperarousal after trauma, rather than a primary issue with recalling personal information. Generalized anxiety disorder features chronic worry and bodily symptoms, not dissociative memory gaps.

Memory loss for personal information usually related to trauma reflects a dissociative mechanism that disrupts autobiographical memory. This is exactly what dissociative amnesia describes: an inability to recall important personal information, typically of traumatic or stressful nature, that cannot be explained by ordinary forgetfulness and isn’t due to a medical condition or substance use. The memory gaps can be localized to a specific event or time period, or generalized to large portions of one’s life; sometimes they occur with a dissociative fugue, where a person unexpectedly travels or wanders with confusion about identity.

This differs from dissociative identity disorder, which centers on the presence of two or more distinct identities that control behavior at different times, often with gaps in memory tied to switching between identities. PTSD involves re-experiencing, avoidance, negative mood changes, and hyperarousal after trauma, rather than a primary issue with recalling personal information. Generalized anxiety disorder features chronic worry and bodily symptoms, not dissociative memory gaps.