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[A clinical study of generalized amnesia].
Seishin Shinkeigaku Zasshi = Psychiatria Et Neurologia Japonica
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Generalized amnesia, a rare psychogenic disorder, typically resolves quickly. This study reports prolonged cases, exploring new identity development and suicide risk factors in psychogenic amnesia.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Generalized amnesia of psychogenic origin is a rare disorder.
- Spontaneous recovery is characteristic, but prolonged cases exist.
Observation:
- Six cases of generalized amnesia were analyzed.
- Three cases exhibited prolonged amnesia compared to prior reports.
- Patients developed new identities, with altered names and histories.
Findings:
- Differential diagnosis from malingering requires careful evaluation of patient attitude, clinical course, and history.
- Generalized amnesia can function as psychological suicide, necessitating careful risk assessment.
- Factors influencing amnesia duration include premorbid personality, social adjustment, conflicts, and suicidal ideation.
Implications:
- Understanding new identity formation in amnesia is crucial.
- Suicidal risk must be evaluated, even in seemingly stable patients.
- Comprehensive psychotherapy, avoiding unnecessary manipulation, is key for treatment.