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Dissociative disorders among psychiatric patients.
Tapio Lipsanen1, Jyrki Korkeila, Päivi Peltola
1Mental Health Clinic of Harjavalta, Harjavalta, Finland.
Summary
This study investigated dissociative disorders in psychiatric patients and compared rates to nonclinical individuals. Dissociative disorders were found in 17% of patients, with symptom severity linked to affective disorders.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Dissociative disorders are a complex group of conditions affecting memory, identity, and perception.
- Understanding the prevalence of these disorders in clinical populations is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
- Previous research has varied in its assessment of dissociative disorder rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of dissociative disorders in psychiatric in-patients and out-patients.
- To compare the rates of dissociative disorders between psychiatric patients and a nonclinical control group.
- To explore the relationship between the severity of dissociative symptoms and affective disorders.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study design was employed.
- Participants included psychiatric in-patients (n=34), out-patients (n=37), and nonclinical subjects (n=297).
- Data on dissociative disorders and symptom severity were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Dissociative disorders were identified in 17% of the combined psychiatric patient group.
- The prevalence rates were compared between patient groups and nonclinical subjects.
- Findings indicated a grouping of dissociative disorders based on symptom severity and their association with affective disorders.
Conclusions:
- Dissociative disorders represent a significant comorbidity within psychiatric patient populations.
- The severity of dissociative symptoms appears related to the presence and nature of affective disorders.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the complex interplay between dissociative and affective symptoms.