Dissociative amnesia manifests as severe memory loss on one hand, while the patient retains the ability to engage in complex activities and maintain orderly self-care on the other. This presents a marked contradiction and dissociation between the patient's reported memory loss and their demonstrated cognitive abilities, hence the term "dissociative amnesia." How is dissociative amnesia diagnosed?
A marked contradiction and dissociation exists between the patient's reported memory loss and their demonstrated cognitive abilities.When dissociative amnesia co-occurs with other mental disorders, it is not diagnosed separately.
Prior to diagnosis, physical and psychiatric examinations, along with blood and urine tests, must be conducted to rule out amnesia caused by intoxication, such as that resulting from illicit drug use.
Electroencephalogram (EEG) testing can exclude amnesia caused by epileptic seizures, while psychological testing aids in understanding the characteristics of dissociative experiences.