Controversy Associated with Dissociative Disorders Essay

Controversy Associated with Dissociative Disorders Essay

Controversy Associated with Dissociative Disorders Essay

One of the conditions which limit a patient’s life is dissociative disorders. The patients with the condition experience an involuntary escape from reality and discord between consciousness, memory, identity, and thoughts (Kate et al., 2020). When an individual experiences trauma related to rape, abuse, or war, they are likely to develop the symptoms as a way of protecting them from the negative memories. The negative impacts mean that the patients should be offered effective treatment. Medications and psychotherapy have largely been used in the management of dissociative disorders for the desired patient outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this assignment is to explore the controversy surrounding dissociative disorders, professional beliefs regarding dissociative disorders, strategies that can be used to maintain a client therapeutic relationship, and the legal and ethical considerations connected to dissociative disorders.

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The Controversy Surrounding Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative disorders are one of the conditions that have created controversies as cases of misdiagnosis have been reported. Among the known controversies is the re-classification of multiple personality disorder as a dissociative identity disorder making it even more complicated to understand the disorders (Lynn et al.,2019). Models such as the fantasy model label, socio-cognitive model, and iatrogenic model regard the condition as an obsession of the past. Specifically, the iatrogenic model argues that the dissociation comes enhanced and pronounced from unconsciousness and conscious levels by the expectations of the therapist. The therapists, therefore, propose that multiple personalities exist and that patients display the symptoms consciously or non-consciously as a way to please. The socio-cognitive model holds the argument that dissociative disorder is a falsified concept and has no validity (Lynn et al., 2019). It is therefore, a media and psychotherapy creation. The model also connects the condition with a culture that emphasizes repressed memories, multiple personalities existence, and child abuse. The theories, therefore, argue that the condition doesn’t exist.

Professional Beliefs About Dissociative Disorders

I have various beliefs as a professional regarding dissociative disorders. For example, I believe that dissociation exists since it’s supported by research. It is a real condition that can accurately be differentiated from others with various symptoms associated with it (Reategui, 2019).

Strategies for Maintaining Therapeutic Relationship

Formulating and maintaining a therapeutic relationship with patients is key for expected outcomes. Among patients with dissociative disorders, it is key for the health provider to detect any signs of deterioration which is more possible if a therapeutic relationship exists (Norcross & Lambert, 2019). Effective communication and a show of empathy help in building therapeutic relationships. Therefore, a provider can easily identify other comorbidities which may hinder the patient’s healing and create an effective plan.

The Legal and Ethical Considerations

Ethical and legal concerns or considerations are common when caring for patients with dissociative disorders. Among the ethical considerations is informed consent when using complex interventions. The other ethical consideration is disclosure and confidentiality. The providers need to adhere to the principles of fidelity, justice, autonomy, non-maleficence, and beneficence (Norcross & Lambert, 2019). Training in psychotherapy is important when treating the condition as it enables the providers to be aware of the clinical symptoms and the strategies to utilize.

Conclusion

Dissociative disorders are among the conditions that have sparked controversies in the psychiatry field. While traditional models have disputed their existence, recent research supports their existence and indicates particular symptoms connected to them. As a professional, I also support the existence of the condition and that such patients require effective care and management.

References

Kate, M. A., Hopwood, T., & Jamieson, G. (2020). The prevalence of dissociative disorders and dissociative experiences in college populations: A meta-analysis of 98 studies. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 21(1), 16-61. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299732.2019.1647915.

Lynn, S. J., Maxwell, R., Merckelbach, H., Lilienfeld, S. O., van Heugten-van der Kloet, D., & Miskovic, V. (2019). Dissociation and its disorders: Competing models, future directions, and a way forward. Clinical Psychology Review, 73, 101755. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2019.101755

Norcross, J. C., & Lambert, M. J. (Eds.). (2019). Psychotherapy relationships that work: Volume 1: Evidence-based therapist contributions. Oxford University Press.

Reategui, A. A. (2019). Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Literature Review. The Undergraduate Journal of Psychology, 22-27. https://journals.charlotte.edu/ujop/article/view/686

The DSM-5-TR is a diagnostic tool. It has evolved over the decades, as have the classifications and criteria within its pages. It is used not just for diagnosis, however, but also for billing, access to services, and legal cases. Not all practitioners are in agreement with the content and structure of the DSM-5-TR, and dissociative disorders are one such area. These disorders can be difficult to distinguish and diagnose. There is also controversy in the field over the legitimacy of certain dissociative disorders, such as dissociative identity disorder, which was formerly called multiple personality disorder.

In this Assignment, you will examine the controversy surrounding dissociative disorders. You will also explore clinical, ethical, and legal considerations pertinent to working with patients with these disorders.

The Assignment (2 pages)
Explain the controversy that surrounds dissociative disorders.
Explain your professional beliefs about dissociative disorders, supporting your rationale with at least three scholarly references from the literature.
Explain strategies for maintaining the therapeutic relationship with a client that may present with a dissociative disorder.
Finally, explain ethical and legal considerations related to dissociative disorders that you need to bring to your practice and why they are important.