Dissociative Fugue Essay -- Psychology, Identity, Disorders

Dissociative Fugue Dissociation is when there is loss of connection in a person’s memory, thoughts, and sense of identity. The severity of dissociation ranges from mild dissociation a very common form seem in examples such as: daydreaming, driving a familiar route and realizing you do not remember the last several miles, or getting â€Å"lost† in a book. More severe and chronic forms are multiple personality disorder, now called dissociative identity disorder, and other dissociative disorders (Livingston, 2004). In this paper I will be focusing on Dissociative fugue. This dissociative disorder is very rare and can appear in a person suddenly and with warning. The individual travels far from home or work and leaves behind a past life. In extremely rare cases they assume a new identity. The individual experiences amnesia and does not have any conscious knowledge or understanding of why they left or how they got where they are. These â€Å"travels† can last anywhere from a few hours to several months. Fugue is derived from the Latin word fugere, meaning flight. Dissociative fugue differs from dissociative identity disorder because if a person assumes a new identity with dissociative fugue it does not coincide with other identities such as with Dissociative Identity disorder. Disabling Attributes This disorder can be very disabling because these bouts of flight come at unpredictable times. This can make it hard for an individual to keep a job if they have the chance of taking off and not remembering or knowing why. The possibility of assuming a new identity is also there making it very hard to develop strong relationships. They are viewed as unreliable employees and they do not possess the coping skills to deal with emotional ... ...s provide clear boundaries. Individuals have reported that if the support group includes individuals with complex dissociative disorders and those without have been problematic. An individual should keep this in mind when trying to find a support group right for them (Livingston, 2004). Rehabilitation Implications The outcome for individuals with dissociative fugue is good. A rehabilitation counselor should provide counseling and proper support to their client. With the proper treatment individuals with dissociative fugue can accomplish any of the same goals as an individual without a dissociative disorder. Rehabilitation counselors should also make sure clients have had the proper medical examinations and medication to treat the secondary symptoms to dissociative fugue. If all these are followed the counselor client relationship should be successful.