This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. Legal and Criminological Psychology, which will be published in final form at The Neuroscience of Dissociative Amnesia and Repressed Memory: Premature Conclusions and Unanswered Questions. , Mangiulli, I., Dodier, O., Huntjens, R., Krackow, E., Jelicic, M. This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Otgaar, H., Howe, M.

Moreover, we will make the case that the discussed patients in the studies do not meet the DSM-5 criteria for dissociative amnesia.Ĭonclusions: Taken together, neuroscientific research into dissociative amnesia does not present a convincing case for a biological basis of the purported memory loss. Furthermore, we will demonstrate that it is unclear whether these studies truly involved patients with dissociative amnesia and that alternative explanations of dissociative amnesia were often not ruled out (e.g., malingering, organic amnesia). Results: We discuss neuroscientific studies on dissociative amnesia and repressed memory and show that there are no reliable biological markers for dissociative amnesia and that the alleged involved brain areas are heterogenous among studies. Methods: Here, we will argue that such neuroscientific examinations do not tell us whether traumatic memories can be unconsciously repressed or dissociated from consciousness, respectively. One way in which researchers have attempted to prove the existence of dissociative amnesia or repressed memory is to examine whether claims of amnesia for traumatic events are associated with specific neural markers. What are dissociative disorders? (2018).Purpose: A heated debate exists on whether traumatic memories can be dissociated or repressed.The link between childhood trauma and dissociation in frequent users of classic psychedelics and dissociatives. A case series of 223 patients with depersonalization-derealization syndrome. Understanding and treating depersonalisation disorder. Cannabis-induced depersonalization-derealization disorder. Depersonalization‐ and derealization‐like phenomena of epileptic origin. Somatoform dissociation, fatigue severity and pain behavior compared in patients with migraine headache and in healthy individuals. Management of benzodiazepine misuse and dependence. The role of dissociation in ketamine’s antidepressant effects. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. We link primary sources - including studies, scientific references, and statistics - within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations.

In some cultures, people seek to attain depersonalization through religious or meditative practices. This is sometimes known as multiple personality disorder. They may behave differently at different times or write in different handwriting.

Dissociative identity disorder: A person becomes confused about who they are and feel like a stranger to themselves.

There may also be changes in bodily sensations and a reduced ability to act on an emotional level.

Depersonalization-derealization disorder: This can involve out-of-body experiences, a feeling of being unreal, and an inability to recognize one’s image in a mirror.

Dissociative amnesia: People forget information about themselves or things that have happened to them.

Image credit: Volkankurt/Getty ImagesĪccording to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), dissociative disorders that feature dissociation or depersonalization are: Share on Pinterest Some people will have an out-of-body experience or feel as if they are watching themselves from a distance. Some kinds of dissociation can occur with the following conditions:ĭissociation and depersonalization disorders Many people who experience depersonalization also have another mental health condition. People have also reported perceptual disturbances such as depersonalization when withdrawing from benzodiazepines.

Alcohol and hallucinogens: These could trigger depersonalization in some people.Cannabis use: Though uncommon, some people may experience dissociation and depersonalization with cannabis use and withdrawal.Some people may take it because they seek an “out-of-body” experience. Ketamine: People often use this dissociative anesthetic as a recreational drug.Some recreational drugs affect the chemicals in the brain, which could trigger feelings of depersonalization. A number of factors can make a person more likely to experience dissociation and depersonalization.

Disassociative amnesia