Do I Have Dissociative Amnesia?

Do you show an inability to recall important autobiographical information, usually of a traumatic/ stressful nature, that is inconsistent with ordinary forgetting?

Do the symptoms cause impairment in important areas of functioning (e.g., social, occupational)?

Can you confirm that the disturbance is not attributable to the effects of a substance (e.g., alcohol or other drug abuse, medication) or a neurological or other medical condition?

Can you confirm that the disturbance is not better explained by dissociative identity disorder (in which two or more distinct identities are present in someone), post-traumatic stress disorder (a mental disorder that can develop after someone is exposed to a traumatic event), acute stress disorder (can develop after a traumatic event and lasts up to one month), somatic symptom disorder (extreme focus on physical symptoms that causes major distress) or major or mild neuro-cognitive disorder (decreased mental function caused by a medical disease)?

Based on your answers, you would not be diagnosed with dissociative amnesia. However, if you experience an inability to recall important autobiographical information that should be successfully stored in memory and that ordinarily would be readily remembered, a visit to the doctor may be needed. These types of symptoms are linked to traumatic or extremely stressful events and can cause problems with general function. If the doctor thinks that symptoms of this illness are present, you will be tested physically the doctor will evaluate your medical history. People with dissociative amnesia are usually not aware of their memory problem.

Based on your answers, it may be wise to seek medical attention. The doctor may carry out some tests to get an idea of your life experiences and your current level of functioning. Dissociative amnesia can last for a short time, but in some cases it can last for months. Additionally, you can experience multiple episodes of dissociative amnesia over the years. Treatment can help to alleviate symptoms of dissociative amnesia and sometimes the symptoms disappear even without treatment.

Based on your answers, seeking medical attention is crucial. Treatment may be highly necessary, including psychotherapy, cognitive therapy and medication. The goals of treatment for this condition include helping you reconnect with your surroundings, helping you deal with traumatic events in a healthy way and teaching you new coping skills. A good thing is that for most people with this problem, memory returns with time, with or without treatment. However, treatment may be important to improve your future perspectives.