What is dissociation?
Dissociation is “a mental response that diverts consciousness from painful or traumatic associations. Such responses may include shock, numbing, paralysis, loss of speech or other sensory perception, or even loss of consciousness; in essence, escaping painful associations of reality by going to another real or imaginary place" (ASAP Dictionary).
Is dissociation "normal?"
"In the normal population mild dissociative experiences are highly prevalent, with 80% to 90% of the respondents indicating that they experience dissociative experiences at least some of the time" (Wikipedia).
What is the prevalence of dissociative disorders?
"Some studies indicate that diagnosable dissociation occurs in approximately two to three percent of the general population. Other studies have estimated a prevalence rate of 10% for all dissociative disorders in the general population (e.g., Loewenstein, 1994).
Dissociation may exist in either acute or chronic forms. Immediately following severe trauma, the incidence of dissociative phenomena is remarkably high. Approximately 73% of individuals exposed to a traumatic incident will experience dissociative states during the incident or in the hours, days and weeks following.. However, for most people these dissociative experiences will subside on their own within a few weeks after the traumatic incident subsides ..." (ISSD).
References
ASAP Dictionary of Anxiety and Panic Disorders
International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISST-D)
