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Dissociation, Dissociative Disorders, and PTSD

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Book cover Comprehensive Guide to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

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Abstract

Dissociative experiences are common among children and adults, ranging from normative to pathological frequency and severity. This chapter details important aspects of dissociation following traumatic experiences, including empirical support for the trauma model of dissociation, psychobiological processes involved in dissociative experiences, and the presence of both dissociative symptomatology and dissociative disorders in patients diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, the authors discuss the complexities of conducting trauma treatment with dissociative individuals, including differential diagnosis and treatment approaches grounded in current treatment outcome research. Finally, key points to further inform readers about assessment and treatment of dissociative disorders are included at the conclusion of the chapter.

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Abbreviations

ACES:

Adverse Childhood Experiences Study

BPD:

Borderline personality disorder

CSA:

Childhood sexual abuse

DD:

Dissociative disorders

DDNOS:

Dissociative disorder not otherwise specified

DID:

Dissociative identity disorder

DPTSD:

Dissociative subtype of PTSD

DSM-5:

Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition

NIS:

Neutral identity states

PTSD:

Posttraumatic stress disorder

SIB:

Self-injurious behavior

TIS:

Trauma identity states

TOP DD:

Treatment Outcome of Patients with Dissociative Disorders Study

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Family and Children’s, Bel Air, MD, USA

    Amie C. Myrick

  2. Psychology Department, Towson University, 8000 York Road, 21252, Towson, MD, USA

    Bethany L. Brand

Authors
  1. Amie C. Myrick
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  2. Bethany L. Brand
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Correspondence to Amie C. Myrick .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Buckinghamshire New University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, United Kingdom

    Colin R. Martin

  2. Kings College, London, United Kingdom

    Victor R. Preedy

  3. University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom

    Vinood B. Patel

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Myrick, A.C., Brand, B.L. (2015). Dissociation, Dissociative Disorders, and PTSD. In: Martin, C., Preedy, V., Patel, V. (eds) Comprehensive Guide to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-08613-2_39-1

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