Who is at greatest risk of developing dissociative amnesia?

Diana Meeks on behalf of Sigma Nursing

Family Practitioner

A person who has experienced sexual or physical abuse in childhood is at high risk of developing dissociative disorders. Commonly occurring in the teen and young adult years, dissociative amnesia becomes the coping mechanism to deal with the trauma. Sometimes those who have experienced war, invasive medical treatments, or natural disasters may experience dissociative disorders as well.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Amnesia

Amnesia refers to partial, but serious, loss of memory. For example, someone can't remember their mom's maiden name or what happened last Christmas, but may recall the joke their little brother told them a few seconds ago. Unlike in the movies, real-life amnesia generally doesn't mean you lose your sense of identity. In fact, amnesiacs know who they are, but may have trouble learning new facts and forming new memories. Amnesia is believed to be caused by damage to areas of the brain where memories are processed and stored. Transient global amnesia is a short-term loss of memory. Amnesic syndrome is long-term memory loss and can be permanent. While there's no specific treatment, techniques for enhancing memory and psychological support can help amnesiacs and their families cope.

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