Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Dissociative Disorders:
A Complete Guide Dissociative disorders are a type of mental disorder in which an individual becomes disconnected from their thoughts, memories, or identity.
These diseases are tough to treat, although CBT can be quite beneficial.
What is dissociative disorder?
Dissociative disorder refers to a group of mental diseases in which patients feel
separated and removed from their own thoughts, memories, and identities. Specific
conditions under this general group can include:
•Dissociative amnesia occurs when the patient forgets certain crucial events or
situations.
• A single personal identity suffers from forgetfulness.
• Depersonalization disorder: the individual sensation of being separated from his or
her ideas and feelings.
• Dissociative disorder not otherwise specified (DD-NOS): a disorder in which
individuals have dissociation symptoms that do not fit into any of the categories listed
above.
Symptoms of dissociative disorders
The symptoms of dissociative disorders vary depending on the disease and the
individual experience.
The most prevalent symptoms in this regard are:
sensations may include feeling disconnected from thoughts and feelings, being cut off
from body, experiencing fragmented memories or experiences, feeling as if in a
dream or fantasy world, and physical sensations such as numbness, tingling, or pain.
The causes of dissociative disorders
The following are the causes of dissociative disorders.
The causes are many and multifaceted:
• Trauma or stress: This can be produced by harsh experiences or long-term stress,
leaving the individual feeling disconnected and detached.
• Genetic predisposition: Certain genetic variables enhance an individual risk of
developing a dissociative disorder.
• Brain chemistry: Serotonin and dopamine are two key neurotransmitters in the brain
that have been linked to the development of dissociative disorders.
Treatment Options for Dissociative Disorders
The treatment can be in the form of:
– Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A therapist helps clients identify and challenge
problematic thought habits.
– Medication: Medications may be used to treat symptoms.
– Support groups: The individual may join support groups to feel as if they belong and
that someone understands their situation.
– Psychotherapy: The individual is required to sit and chat with the therapist in order
for the underlying causes to be processed and understood.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is another type of psychotherapy that has proven to be
effective in treating dissociative disorders. Basically, CBT assists patients in
effectively doing the following:
– Challenge negative thought patterns
– Learn new coping strategies
– Develop self-acceptance and self-awareness
– Improve interpersonal relationships
Because CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are
inextricably linked, a change in thinking implies a change in feeling and doing. In
dissociative disorders, CBT aids in recognizing and challenging negative thought
patterns that contribute to the development of symptoms.
Conclusion
Dissociative diseases are a complex, multi-layered syndrome that is difficult to treat.
Still, with the right approach toward treatment, a person can learn to regulate and
manage the symptoms, so increasing their quality of life.
Hashtags:
#dissociatedisorders
#mentalhealth
#trauma
#stress
#cognitivebehavioraltherapy
#psychotherapy
#supportgroups
Additional resources:
For more information on dissociative disorders and treatment options, please visit Britmed
Healthcare at https://britmedhealthcare.co.uk/blog/.
Book a consultation with Professor Ahmed El-Missiry at
https://www.nightingalehospital.co.uk/specialist/prof-ahmed-elmissiry/.
