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Factors associated with pathological dissociation in the general population
Päivi Maaranen1, Antti Tanskanen, Kirsi Honkalampi
1Department of Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland. paivi.maaranen@kuh.fi
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
|April 30, 2005
Summary
Pathological dissociation affects 3.4% of the general population, strongly linking to depression, alexithymia, and suicidality. These mental health conditions significantly increase the likelihood of experiencing pathological dissociation.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
Background:
- Pathological dissociation is a complex phenomenon impacting mental health.
- Understanding its prevalence and correlates in the general population is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of pathological dissociation in the general population.
- To investigate the relationship between pathological dissociation and sociodemographic and psychiatric variables.
Main Methods:
- A stratified population sample of 2001 subjects was surveyed.
- Utilized the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), DES-Taxon, Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of pathological dissociation (DES-T ≥ 20) was 3.4%, with no significant gender difference.
- Strong associations found between pathological dissociation and alexithymia, depression, and suicidality.
- Depression, alexithymia, and suicidality increased the odds of pathological dissociation by 9, 7, and 4 times, respectively. Frequent alcohol use also correlated significantly.
Conclusions:
- A significant relationship exists between pathological dissociation, depression, alexithymia, and suicidality in the general population.
- Further prospective research is needed to establish causality between these factors.