Question

Which of the following statements regarding dissociation is true:(might be more than one answer)

-	is always symptomatic of a dissociative disorder

-	dissociation can be a symptom of a stress-related disorder

-	most often affects semantic memory

-	dissociation often occurs during a traumatic event

Answer 1

The correct options are: option 2 and option 4.

Explanation : Dissociation is a defence mechanism characterised by detachment from one's memories, feelings and/or sense of identity. It is commonly displayed on a continium.

Dissociation isn't always first considered symptom of an underlying pathology as it is displayed on a continium. Milder forms of dissociation are seen in everyday life as well as sever detachment such as in experiences such as near death experiences, out of body experiences etc. Also dissociation if pathological isn't always a symptom of dissociative disorder. Certain stress related trauma disorder can also have dissociation as their symptom. Therefore the first option is false and second which states dissociation can be a symptom of stress related disorder is true.

Semantic memory is related to portion of the long term memory associated with ideas and concepts that are not related to one's personal experiences. These can include concepts such as time, places, name of a sport, countries etc. Dissociation is a process that leads to detachment from one's memories, feelings, identity that are personal to the individual, thus affecting episodic memory than semantic. Therefore option 3 is false.

Traumatic event leads to undue stress in a person's psychological well being. In such circumstances often dissociation occurs as an unconscious mechanism to forget and not recall the events that are perceived as threat by the mind. Therefore, option4 is true.