2. Key terms: ALTERS. A distinct identity with its own enduring pattern of perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the world and the self. DISSOCIATION . The separation of thoughts, feelings, or experiences from the normal stream of consciousness and memory. DISSOCIATIVE DISORDERS . A continuum of disorders experienced by individuals exposed to trauma, including depersonalization disorder, dissociative amnesia, dissociative fugue, and dissociative identity disorder. This disorders involve a disturbance in the organization of identity, memory, perception, or consciousness. SECONDARY GAIN. Attempting to earn the sympathy of others, receiving financial gain, or obtaining other benefits by suffering from a disorder. SWITCHING. The process in which one alter is changed into another. TRAUMA. An event that results in long-standing distress to the individual experiencing that event. PERSONALITY. Enduring patterns of perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the world and oneself.
20. Adulthood The adult with a dissociative disorder frequently goes undiagnosed or is misdiagnosed: The person, having grown up in a chaotic family, may not know that losing time is an abnormal experience. Some adults may be in the mental health system for years being treated for depression, and the dissociation becomes evident only after a triggering event. Adult men with undiagnosed dissociative disorders end up incarcerated in prison because of aggressive behaviors.
32. The Generalist Nurse- identifies undiagnosed dissociative disorder to help the client develop adaptive skills and achieve symptom management including appropriate medications; continual assessment of the client’s level of danger to self and to others throughout the treatment. The Advanced-Practice Psychiatric Registered Nurse- encourages the client in a psychotherapy or cause management process, continual assessment of client’s safety The Role of the Nurse
