Dissociative Trance Led to a Catastrophe: A Case Report.
Ahmed Z Salama, Mohammad R Dabash, Abdullah Elayan, Shafee Saadeh, Ibrahim Ikhmayyes
Cureus December 1, 2024 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.76458 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractDissociative trance disorder, a type of other specified dissociative disorder, involves abrupt loss of awareness, unresponsiveness, and involuntary actions, with individuals feeling separated from their body as if controlled by an external force. A 22-year-old patient with no prior criminal history experienced episodes of decreased consciousness, altered identity, and involuntary movements, perceived as external control, culminating in a tragic event where she killed her children. After ruling out psychotic disorders, organic factors, and substance abuse, dissociative trance disorder was diagnosed. Treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines improved symptoms.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | 22-year-old female patient with dissociative trance disorder |
| Interventions | cognitive behavioral therapy antidepressants antipsychotics benzodiazepines |
| Keywords | Amnesia Cognitive behavioral therapy Dissociative trance Emotional stress Mental health |
| Key finding | A diagnosis of dissociative trance disorder was considered after ruling out other causes, and treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines resulted in symptom improvement. |
Abstract
Dissociation is a cognitive process that disrupts consciousness, identity, or memory. It is frequently used as a form of defense in response to significant stress or trauma. In serious situations, it might show as a dissociative disorder, which extremely impairs psychological functioning. Dissociative trance, a type of other specified dissociative disorder (OSDD), is characterized by an abrupt loss of awareness, leading to unresponsiveness and involuntary actions. Despite being conscious, the individual may feel separated from their body, as if it were under the control of an external force. This case report represents a 22-year-old patient with no prior criminal history who experienced episodes of decreased consciousness, altered identity, and involuntary movements. These episodes were perceived as being controlled by an external force and culminated in a tragic event leading the patient to kill her children. After ruling out other potential causes like psychotic disorders, organic factors, and substance abuse, a diagnosis of dissociative trance disorder was considered. Treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines resulted in improvement of the patient's symptoms.