Dissociative Disorders in People Navigating Divorce or Separation

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? NE
Is it more common among people navigating divorce or separation? Divorce itself doesn't increase DD; abusive/traumatic relationships are the relevant exposure
Are people navigating divorce or separation at higher risk? Strong when separation follows chronic abuse/coercion/trauma
How much higher is the risk? NE
How often can it be missed? Very High
Does it show up differently among people navigating divorce or separation? Strong Yes contextually
How might it look different? Memory gaps, emotional numbing, depersonalization and identity confusion may become visible after leaving a chronically traumatic/abusive relationship
What commonly occurs alongside it? PTSD/CPTSD; depression; BPD
What can it be confused with? PTSD/CPTSD; BPD; normal post-separation distress
Common screening tool DES-II — Dissociative Experiences Scale-II
Separate screening tool for people navigating divorce or separation None
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