Unspecified Dissociative Disorder

Written by BetterHelp Editorial Team
Medically reviewed by Dr. Andrea Cziffer Paul, MD, Andrea Brant, LMHC, and Dr. April Brewer, DBH, LPC

Overview

Unspecified dissociative disorder (UDD) falls under the umbrella of dissociative disorders,1 which are mental health conditions marked by disruptions in memory, identity, emotion, perception, behavior, and sense of self. These disruptions can interfere with a person's functioning, affecting various aspects of their life, including relationships and work.
 
UDD encompasses cases in which the symptoms don't neatly fit into other specific dissociative disorder categories in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Specific dissociative disorders include dissociative identity disorder (multiple personality disorder),2 depersonalization-derealization disorder,3 dissociative trance disorder, and dissociative amnesia.4
 
A person diagnosed with UDD might have a combination of symptoms from various dissociative disorders or have symptoms that are atypical or not as pronounced. Dissociative disorders are often linked to traumatic experiences, stress, or other factors that might cause the mind to "disconnect" from certain memories or emotions as a coping mechanism. While the symptoms might not fit a specific category of dissociative disorder, the distress and disruption experienced by the individual are real.

Symptoms

Unspecified dissociative disorder can manifest in various ways, as it serves as a category for dissociative symptoms that don't fit neatly into other specific dissociative disorder categories. However, there are common signs and symptoms that individuals with UDD might experience, including cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms.  

Cognitive symptoms

Cognitive symptoms of an unspecified dissociative disorder might include: 

  • Memory gaps: These gaps can range from forgetting personal information to not recalling events of a particular period. While rare, people can detach from their awareness of who they are and question their sense of self.
  • Difficulty concentrating: Due to dissociation, individuals might find it challenging to focus on tasks or maintain attention. 
  • A sense of being detached: Dissociative disorders may cause a sense of disconnection from one's thoughts, feelings, or surroundings.

Emotional symptoms

Emotional symptoms of unspecified dissociative disorder may include the following: 

  • Emotional numbness: Being emotionally distant or having limited emotions may occur.
  • Depersonalization: Some people may have the sensation that their body is unreal, changed, or dissolving.
  • Derealization: Derealization can make the external world seem strange, unreal, or distorted. It may also make other people seem unreal.

Physical symptoms

Physical symptoms of unspecified dissociative disorder may include the following: 

  • Perception changes: Perceptual disturbances include time, space, and environment distortions.
  • Trance states: Trance states are periods where an individual seems to "zone out" and is unresponsive to external stimuli.
  • Physical discomfort: A sense of heaviness, numbness, or tingling in parts of the body may occur.

Behavioral symptoms

Behavioral symptoms of unspecified dissociative disorder might include the following: 

  • Avoidance behavior: some people may avoid people, places, or situations that could cause dissociative symptoms.
  • Functional impairment: Functional difficulties might include difficulty performing daily tasks or maintaining personal relationships due to dissociative experiences.
  • Identity confusion: Some people may be uncertain about who they are or have a sense that they have multiple identities.

Causes

Like other dissociative disorders, unspecified dissociative disorder is often rooted in traumatic experiences or severe stress. The mind's ability to "dissociate" or disconnect from specific memories, emotions, or perceptions can be a coping mechanism to protect an individual from overwhelming distress. Some common causes and risk factors include the following.

Traumatic experiences

Traumatic experiences are often the primary cause of dissociative disorders and may include but are not limited to the following: 

  • Childhood abuse or neglect: Early and prolonged exposure to traumatic situations, especially during formative years, can increase the risk of developing dissociative disorders.
  • Sudden traumatic events: Experiences like accidents, natural disasters, or violent assaults can lead to dissociative symptoms.
  • War or combat exposure: Soldiers or individuals in conflict zones might develop dissociative symptoms as a response to the intense trauma they witness or experience.
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Other risk factors

Other risk factors for unspecified dissociative disorder might include: 

  • Previous mental health disorders: Individuals with a history of other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), might be more susceptible.
  • Dissociative experiences in childhood: Children often use dissociation as a coping mechanism. If used excessively, it can become a pattern that persists into adulthood.

Trauma triggers 

For those with trauma-related dissociative disorders, various triggers5 can exacerbate or bring about symptoms. These triggers might be:

  • Reminders of the traumatic event: For example, someone may avoid or be triggered by places, people, smells, or sounds associated with the trauma.
  • Stressful situations: High-stress environments or events can cause a resurgence of symptoms.
  • Substance use: Alcohol or drugs might intensify or trigger dissociative episodes.

Understanding and identifying these causes and triggers may be valuable in managing and treating UDD effectively.

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Treatments

Treatment for unspecified dissociative disorder often aims to alleviate symptoms, improve the individual's quality of life, and help them develop coping mechanisms to manage stress and potential trauma triggers. The approach to treatment often involves a combination of therapy, medication, and self-care strategies.

Therapy 

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is the typical treatment for dissociative disorders, including UDD, according to the American Psychiatric Association. Below are a few methods that might be used in treatment:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT may help individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It can be particularly effective in addressing symptoms of dissociation.
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is often used for trauma-related conditions. It involves processing traumatic memories in a structured way, aiming to reduce the distress associated with these memories.
  • Dissociative disorders-specific therapies: These are specialized therapeutic approaches designed to address dissociative disorders' unique challenges and symptoms. They often involve techniques to improve grounding and reduce dissociative episodes.
  • Internal family systems (IFS): Internal family systems therapy considers the self an internal system of “parts.” Since people with dissociative symptoms often have a sense of fractured identity, this therapy can help them unite the parts of themselves healthily and find healing from trauma.

Medication

While there's no medication specifically approved to treat UDD, some medications may help individuals manage symptoms or co-occurring conditions, such as the following: 

  • Antidepressants: These medications can be beneficial for individuals who also experience symptoms of depression or anxiety disorders.
  • Antipsychotics: In individuals with psychotic symptoms, antipsychotic medications may be prescribed.
The BetterHelp platform is not intended for any information regarding which drugs, medication, or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content is providing generalized information, not specific for one individual. You should not take any action without consulting with a qualified medical professional.

Other treatment options

In some cases, additional interventions might be recommended to complement therapy and medication, such as the following: 

  • Clinical hypnosis: Clinical hypnosis can be used to access and reprocess traumatic memories or to teach self-hypnosis for symptom relief.
  • Support groups: Joining a group of people with similar experiences and problems can be enlightening and supportive.

Self-care

Self-care strategies can be essential for managing symptoms and promoting overall well-being.

  • Grounding techniques: Grounding strategies may bring an individual back to the present moment during a dissociative episode. Standard techniques include tactile methods like holding onto an object or mental exercises like counting items in a room.
  • Routine: Maintaining a routine may provide a sense of normality and predictability.
  • Avoiding substance use: Substance use can exacerbate dissociative symptoms and interfere with treatment.
  • Staying connected: Keeping in touch with loved ones and trusted individuals may provide essential emotional support.

Resources

Therapy can be a beneficial resource for individuals with unspecified dissociative disorder (UDD) and other dissociative disorders. Engaging with a trained therapist can provide tools and strategies to manage symptoms, process traumatic experiences, and improve overall well-being.

Online platforms like BetterHelp allow individuals to connect with licensed therapists and counselors from their homes, often making therapy more convenient and flexible for those seeking online therapy. Additional resources may include the following:

  • The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) provides information on various mental health conditions, including dissociative disorders. Their site offers educational materials, research updates, and links to additional resources.
  • The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) is a professional organization dedicated to studying and treating dissociation. They offer training, research updates, and resources for professionals and the public.
  • Local and online support groups can be invaluable for individuals with UDD. These groups offer a space to share experiences, gain insights, and receive support from others who understand the challenges of living with a dissociative disorder. The ISSTD website, mentioned above, can be a starting point for finding such groups.
  • For help with substance use, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Seeking help and accessing resources can be a sign of strength. Everyone deserves support in their journey toward improved mental health.

Please see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.

Research

Emerging research continues to shed light on the intricacies of unspecified dissociative disorder and other dissociative disorders in terms of their causes and potential treatments. A more profound understanding of these aspects can pave the way for more effective therapeutic interventions and improved patient outcomes.

A comprehensive exploration of DID-research.org delves into the complexities of UDD and its overlap with other dissociative disorders. The research underscores the frequent co-occurrence of mood disorders in individuals with UDD, with approximately 40% of those diagnosed also experiencing a mood disorder. This overlap highlights the interconnectedness of emotional regulation and dissociative experiences, suggesting that treating mood and dissociative symptoms might benefit this population.

Furthermore, a 2021 study from the National Institutes of Health explored the neurobiological underpinnings of dissociative disorders. The study found distinct neural patterns in individuals with these disorders, suggesting that specific brain mechanisms are at play. This type of research can be crucial as it can lead to the development of targeted treatments, potentially including neuromodulation techniques or specific pharmacological interventions tailored to the neural characteristics of dissociative disorders.

As research progresses, these insights may translate into more effective and personalized treatments for individuals with UDD and related conditions.

Statistics

Below are several statistics on unspecified dissociative disorder:

  • Prevalence: UDD and other specified dissociative disorders are estimated to affect about 1% to 3% of the general population.
  • Co-occurrence: Some individuals with UDD also experience other mental health conditions. For instance, approximately 40% of those with UDD have a co-occurring mood disorder.
  • Trauma links: Individuals with UDD often have a history of trauma. Research suggests that up to 90% of those diagnosed with a dissociative disorder report experiencing childhood abuse or neglect.
  • Treatment Efficacy: Therapy can be highly effective for dissociative disorders. Studies indicate that over 80% of individuals who seek treatment for dissociative disorders show improvement with appropriate therapeutic interventions.

It can be crucial to look at these statistics with an understanding that every individual's experience with UDD is unique, and the journey to recovery can vary widely.

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Updated on September 11, 2024.
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