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Related Concept Videos

Dissociative Disorders01:27

Dissociative Disorders

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Dissociative disorders represent complex psychological conditions characterized by disruptions in consciousness, memory, identity, or perception. These disruptions cause individuals to experience a disconnection from their thoughts, emotions, and memories. The phenomenon is not merely an occasional lapse in attention but a profound alteration in mental functioning that can severely impact daily life.
Dissociative Fugue
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Dissociative Amnesia01:21

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Dissociative amnesia is a complex psychological condition that manifests as an inability to recall personal information, often tied to traumatic or stressful events. Unlike general amnesia, individuals with this condition retain the ability to perform routine activities and procedural tasks, such as operating a phone or navigating public transportation, yet experience profound gaps in autobiographical memory. These lapses may encompass significant life events, such as suicide attempts or...
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Dissociative Identity Disorder01:30

Dissociative Identity Disorder

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Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously termed multiple personality disorder, is a complex psychological condition characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states. Each identity exhibits unique patterns of behavior, voice, and mannerisms and may possess separate memories and emotional responses. The alternating control between identities can result in memory gaps and challenges in recalling daily activities, often exacerbating the individual's...
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Personality Disorders: Narcissistic and Avoidant01:26

Personality Disorders: Narcissistic and Avoidant

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Narcissistic and avoidant personality traits represent two contrasting patterns of behavior that significantly influence social interactions and self-perception. While individuals with narcissistic disorder seek admiration and validation, individuals with avoidant personality disorder withdraw due to fear of judgment.
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Borderline Personality Disorder01:25

Borderline Personality Disorder

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Borderline Personality Disorder is a complex and multifaceted mental health condition characterized by pervasive instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and impulse control. This instability manifests in extreme emotional reactions, fear of abandonment, and self-destructive behaviors. The disorder significantly impacts daily functioning, often leading to distress in both personal and professional domains.
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Personality Disorders: Dependent and Obsessive-Compulsive01:24

Personality Disorders: Dependent and Obsessive-Compulsive

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Dependent personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder are two separate psychological conditions that influence behavior, relationships, and overall life functioning. Though both involve maladaptive behaviors, their core characteristics and motivations differ significantly.
 Dependent Personality Disorder
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 18, 2025

Use of a Psychophysiological Script-driven Imagery Experiment to Study Trauma-related Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder
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Autopilot functionality and self-destructive behavior in patients with complex dissociative disorders-A qualitative

Claudia Schnupp1, Heribert Sattel1, Eva Morawa2

  • 1Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM).

Psychological Trauma : Theory, Research, Practice and Policy
|August 21, 2023
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Patients with complex dissociative disorders often exhibit "autopilot functionality" and "self-destructive behavior" due to a lack of self-empathy. Understanding these as trauma coping mechanisms is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Psychology
  • Trauma Studies

Background:

  • Complex dissociative disorders are prevalent and significantly impair quality of life.
  • Underdiagnosis of dissociative disorders hinders timely and effective therapeutic interventions.
  • Understanding self-relation in dissociative disorders may improve diagnostic accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore how individuals with complex dissociative disorders relate to themselves.
  • To gain insights into the self-perceptions and behaviors of patients with complex dissociative disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with ten women diagnosed with complex dissociative disorders.
  • Participants had previously undergone trauma-focused therapy.
  • Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Main Results:

  • Participants described pre-therapy behaviors as "autopilot-functional" (outwardly oriented, ignoring needs) and "self-destructive" (eating disorders, self-harm, substance abuse).
  • Both behaviors stemmed from a lack of self-empathy, suppression of emotions, and poor interoception.
  • These patterns were perceived by participants as interconnected and complex.

Conclusions:

  • "Autopilot functionality" appears characteristic of complex dissociative disorders, often masking underlying self-destructive behaviors.
  • Health professionals may underestimate illness severity if "autopilot functionality" is misinterpreted.
  • Both "autopilot functionality" and "self-destructive behavior" should be viewed as trauma-related coping mechanisms, not subject to judgment.