Psychogenic fugue states: a review

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Neurology

Background:

• Fugue states are complex dissociative disorders with debated etiologies.
• Diagnostic criteria have evolved significantly through the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) revisions.
• Previous classifications have emphasized identity alteration as a core feature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review psychological theories and organic causes of fugue states.
• To analyze the historical diagnostic classification of fugue states (DSM-I to DSM-III-R).
• To critically evaluate the diagnostic criterion of assuming a new identity in psychogenic fugue states.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of psychologic theories.
• Analysis of organic causes contributing to fugue states.
• Historical review of diagnostic criteria across DSM editions.

Main Results:

• Fugue states encompass diverse psychological and organic factors.
• The diagnostic criteria for fugue states have undergone substantial changes.
• New identity assumption is not consistently observed in reported cases of psychogenic fugue.

Conclusions:

• The requirement of a new identity for diagnosing psychogenic fugue states warrants reevaluation.
• Clinical and literature evidence suggests identity change is not a universal feature of the syndrome.
• Future diagnostic frameworks may need to broaden the criteria for fugue states.