Dissociative Disorders in Psychiatry

Dissociative Disorders in Psychiatry

• Explain the controversy that surrounds dissociative disorders.
• Explain your professional beliefs about dissociative disorders, supporting your rationale with at least three scholarly references from the literature.
• Explain strategies for maintaining the therapeutic relationship with a client that may present with a dissociative disorder.
• Finally, explain ethical and legal considerations related to dissociative disorders that you need to bring to your practice and why they are important.

References x 4

• Boland, R. Verdiun, M. L. & Ruiz, P. (2022). Kaplan & Sadock’s synopsis of psychiatry (12th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
  • Chapter 11, “Dissociative Disorders”

Check our essay writing services here

APA

Dissociative Disorders in Psychiatry

Controversy Surrounding Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative disorders, including dissociative identity disorder (DID) and depersonalization/derealization disorder, are among the most debated conditions in psychiatry. The controversy centers on issues of diagnostic validity, etiology, and treatment approaches. Critics argue that dissociative disorders are overdiagnosed or even induced by suggestive psychotherapy, particularly in cases involving repressed memories (Boland et al., 2022). Others question whether DID is a distinct disorder or a manifestation of severe borderline personality disorder or PTSD. Additionally, the prevalence of dissociative disorders varies significantly across cultures and practitioners, leading some to believe that these diagnoses are socially constructed.

Professional Beliefs About Dissociative Disorders

I believe dissociative disorders are legitimate and complex mental health conditions that often result from severe trauma, particularly childhood abuse. These disorders represent a person’s adaptive coping mechanism to manage overwhelming experiences. My stance aligns with research that highlights the neurobiological underpinnings of dissociative symptoms, including altered brain activity in regions associated with memory and identity (Reinders et al., 2019).

While I acknowledge the challenges of accurate diagnosis, I trust that with thorough assessment and corroborative evidence, dissociative disorders can be effectively identified and treated. For instance, evidence-based therapies such as trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy and EMDR have demonstrated success in helping clients process traumatic memories and reduce dissociative symptoms (Loewenstein, 2018). My professional belief is rooted in recognizing these disorders as…