A Study of Neuropsychological Functions in Young Adults Diagnosed with Dissociative Disorder

Dissociative disorders, characterized by disruptions in consciousness, memory, and identity, pose significant challenges in understanding their neuropsychological domains-particularly within the Indian context-due to limited research. This study aims to compare the neuropsychological functions of young adults diagnosed with dissociative disorder to those of a healthy control group.

A comparative cross-sectional study was employed using a between-group design. The sample consisted of 30 individuals diagnosed with dissociative disorder and 30 healthy controls (aged 18-30), selected through purposive sampling from a government neuropsychiatric hospital in North India. Standardized assessments, including the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) and selected subtests from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences neuropsychological battery (Auditory Verbal Learning Test and Triads Test [AVLT]), along with the Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT) and the Trail Making Test (TMT), were administered. Statistical analyses, including t-tests, Mann-Whitney U-tests, chi-square tests, and correlational analyses, were conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 27.0.

Participants with dissociative disorder demonstrated significantly higher DES scores than controls, indicating more significant dissociative experiences. While some neuropsychological domains did not show significant differences, individuals with dissociative disorder exhibited poorer performance on the SCWT, TMR Parts A and B (TMT-A and TMT-B), and the recognition commission component of Rey's AVLT. Correlation analyses revealed moderate associations between executive functioning, verbal memory, inhibitory control, and dissociative experiences.

The findings highlight the association between neuropsychological factors and dissociative disorders, particularly within the Indian population. These insights may contribute to improved clinical assessments and interventions.