Dissociative Disorder NOS (Not otherwise specified) is a disorder that is characterized by a dissociative symptom such as a disruption in the integrated functioning of memory, consciousness, identity or perception of an individual’s surroundings. These disorders do not meet the diagnostic criteria for any of the specific dissociative disorders such as Dissociative amnesia, Dissociative fugue, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and Depersonalization disorder.

Characteristics of Dissociative Disorder NOS:

The pathological presentation of these disorders is similar to Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) but they fail to meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. The characteristics include traits in which there are no two or more distinct personality traits or the amnesia for important personal identity information does not exist.

Derealization is not accompanied by depersonalization.

Dissociation occurs in individuals affected by this disorder and have been exposed to periods of prolonged and intense coercive persuasion is marked by brainwashing, thought reformation or indoctrination.

The normal process regulating and multi channel capacities of the mind apparently become disorganized, leading to various anomalies of consciousness and personal identity.

Certain traits such as capacity for absorption appear to facilitate dissociative experiences.

Causes of Dissociative Disorder NOS:

Biological causes: There is nor convincing evidence of a genetic contribution to pathological dissociation.

Psychological causes: Evidence is building in support of the notion that Dissociative Disorder NOS is a type of post-traumatic stress disorder. It must be emphasized however, that sexual abuse rarely occurs in the absence of serious overall family pathology, several aspects of which can be traumatizing.

Socio-cultural Causes: There seems little doubt that the incidence and prevalence of these disorders, especially, their more dramatic forms are strongly influenced by the degree to which such phenomena are accepted. And as is seen in our society, acceptance and tolerance as legitimate disorders are likely to vary over time.