Our mission at National Therapeutic Services is to give clients the tools they need to feel safe, accepted, complete, self-confident, valuable and comfortable in their own skin. We accomplish our mission through skilled therapy, life coaching, and medical management. Northbound offers healing by helping individuals to accept and resolve issues physically, emotionally, and spiritually at dissociative disorder treatment centers like ours here in Orange County.
Dissociative disorders is a psychiatric diagnosis whose essential feature, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), “…is the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states…that recurrently take control of behavior.”
The diagnosis requires that at least two personalities (one may be the host) routinely take control of the individual’s behavior with an associated memory loss that goes beyond normal forgetfulness; in addition, symptoms cannot be the temporary effects of drug use or a general medical condition.
A Deeper Understanding of Dissociative Disorders
Those who suffer from a dissociative disorder are actually dealing with a mental illness that is characterized by disruptions that affect identity and perception. This disorder also affects people’s memory and sense of self-awareness. Dissociative disorders cause individuals to have a disconnection or disruption in thought and overall cognitive processing.
These disorders are fairly rare. In fact, estimates about the number of people who suffer from these disorders indicate that about 2% of people are dealing with dissociative disorders.
However, there are also estimates that indicate that about 50% of adults in America have at least one episode of depersonalization/derealization disorder. Still, very few people actually experience enough symptoms to be diagnosed with a dissociative disorder.
These types of disorders tend to occur in the lives of those who have gone through seriously traumatic experiences. In many cases, they affect those who have gone through some sort of childhood trauma. In a sense, dissociation is the body’s way of sheltering itself from the reality of what happened during that traumatic event.
It’s an often involuntary and sometimes voluntary way for individuals to distance themselves from their thoughts, memories, and normal behaviors.
The symptoms and effects of dissociative disorders depend on the type of disorder a person has. But some of the general symptoms of these disorders include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Memory problems
- Suicidal thoughts
- Distorted perception of others
- Lack of continuity of thoughts
- Lack of a sense of identity
- Feeling “outside” of oneself
- Feeling of detachment from self and others
Types of Dissociative Disorders
There are 3 main types of dissociative disorders. They include dissociative identity disorder, dissociative amnesia, depersonalization/derealization disorder.
Dissociative Identity Disorder – Commonly called DID, dissociative identity disorder was once called “multiple personality disorder” because those who have a dissociative disorder develop multiple personalities. Sometimes, individuals do not realize that they are functioning differently (with a different personality. People who have DID may feel as if there are multiple people or voices in their heads. They may alternate between identities. Each identity may have its own voice, gender, and overall personality.
Dissociative Amnesia – Individuals who suffer from this dissociative disorder experience inexplicable and severe memory loss. Sometimes, people who have this disorder may forget details about a traumatic experience. But, in some cases, individuals may even forget important personal information.
Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder – This disorder often causes people to feel as though they are outside of themselves, observing their actions, behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. There is an intense sense of detachment and distance.
Dissociative Disorders and Alcohol or Drug Addiction
Many individuals who suffer from a dissociative disorder are at risk for developing harmful habits. They may engage in self-harm and begin to have suicidal thoughts. Unfortunately, dissociative disorders can cause people to lose touch with their own identities, leading to confusion, depression, and anxiety.
Some individuals experience sleeping problems, including nightmares and insomnia. Flashbacks and other symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may also occur. Those who are suffering from dissociative disorders may also develop eating disorders.
It can be difficult to cope with the negative effects of these disorders. So, many individuals resort to alcohol or drug use to escape from their realities. Not only is this an unhealthy way to deal with life, but it’s also harmful, even deadly; substance use often leads to addiction.
Those who struggle with dissociative disorders and addiction may become a danger to themselves and to others. So, it’s important to find dissociative disorder treatment centers and facilities that treat drug and alcohol use problems.
Looking for Dissociative Disorder Treatment Centers Near You?
If you’ve been suffering from DID, you know that it can be very challenging to deal with the effects of this kind of mental health disorder. Or, perhaps you don’t have a dissociative disorder but you know someone else who does. No doubt, if a friend or family member of yours is dealing with these mental health challenges, you have also felt the impact of his or her struggle. As a result, you’ve started to search for dissociative disorder treatment centers near you.
Thankfully, there is help for you or your loved one here at Northbound Treatment Services. We are dedicated to offering hope and help to those who come to us. Our mission is to provide each of our clients with peace of mind and total freedom from the effects of substance abuse.
We understand that each of our patients is different and has unique needs that need to be met in order to have a successful recovery. We also know that many of the people who come to us for help may be suffering from various mental health disorders. It’s important to make sure that their treatment does not focus solely on addiction but, rather, addresses the mental health of our clients in addition to their substance use disorders. This is why we offer dual diagnosis treatment.
If you or someone you know needs help ending an addiction problem, you don’t have to search for dissociative disorder treatment centers any longer; Northbound is ready and able to assist you and your family in finding the peace you deserve. Just contact us today to learn more about our services. Call (855) 858-6803 today.
