Dissociation and its associated disorders: derealization, depersonalization, and dissociative identity disorder (DID), exist alongside a spectrum of both psychiatric disorders and mundane experiences. It is a transdiagnostic phenomenon, with studies suggesting that 2-10% of people will experience dissociative symptoms at some point.

For those with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the numbers are even higher with 38-48% meeting the criteria for the dissociative subtype (PTSD-DS), displaying a significant overlap between trauma-related disorders and dissociative symptoms. In many cases, dissociation is a consequence of trauma.

However, doubts surrounding the authenticity and validity of more severe cases of dissociative experiences continue to influence both clinical and public perceptions.

Dissociative disorders, particularly those involving memory disruptions, are often misunderstood or misattributed to other psychiatric conditions such as psychosis, or borderline personality disorder. A persistent misconception about dissociative experiences is that they are fabricated or exaggerated. This misconception contributes to the isolation that individuals who report these experiences have.

Clinical psychologist and leading dissociation researcher, Martin Dorahy of the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, sheds some light on common misconceptions surrounding dissociation: “People experiencing dissociation tend to hide their symptoms; they do not volunteer them as perhaps someone with depression might volunteer that they are in a low mood.” As a result, individuals with dissociative disorders often face delayed, missed, or inappropriate diagnoses.

Dissociative experience has an empirically supported relationship to trauma and leaves individuals with a sense of disconnection or separation. Psychologist Bethany Brand, professor at Towson University and leading researcher in dissociative disorders and trauma, developed Finding Solid Ground (FSG), an evidence-based program supporting individuals struggling with dissociation and complex trauma. Informed by both clinical research, therapeutic knowledge, and extensive feedback from people living with complex trauma and dissociation, the program offers practical tools for grounding, emotion regulation, and self-compassion.

“Trauma survivors start to shift into dissociative states much more quickly,” Brand explains. “It helps them not feel the full emotional or physical pain of trauma. But over time, this automatic response may impair functioning and awareness, leaving individuals vulnerable to re-victimization and emotional disconnection.”

When faced with unbearable stress or trauma, the mind sometimes develops a mechanism to deal with overwhelming threats by detaching, especially when escape is impossible. But when focusing only on symptoms of dissociation without understanding why they happen, we miss the possibility of meaningful intervention. Trauma isn’t just a footnote in dissociation; it’s often the root cause. Recognizing the link between trauma and severe dissociation is essential—not only for developing effective treatment plans but also for addressing the underlying causes, rather than simply pathologizing its manifestations.

Brand notes that in studies leading to the development of FSG, researchers included individuals who were often excluded from clinical trials, including those who were suicidal, self-harming, or using substance. FSG shows that even the most symptomatic individuals can benefit from trauma-informed treatment.

Healing must not only recognize dissociation as a psychological protective response to overwhelming harm, but also actively work to restore the broken threads of connection that trauma severs.

— Suliana Beraki, Contributing Writer

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