Understanding Dissociation: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
Key Takeaways: Dissociation Symptoms & Treatment
- Dissociation is an automatic, protective response. It helps a person cope with intense stress, perceived danger, or emotional overwhelm by partly disconnecting from thoughts, feelings, the body, or surroundings.
- Common dissociation symptoms include emotional numbness, brain fog, confusion, feeling “far away” or on autopilot, out-of-body experiences, and sensory changes such as muffled hearing or visual distortions.
- More severe dissociation is often linked to unresolved trauma and early attachment wounds. Stress, fatigue, certain medications, and high levels of anxiety can also trigger or worsen dissociative experiences.
- Dissociation is treatable. You can learn more about what it is and the therapies that can help:
If episodes are frequent, frightening, or affecting daily life, trauma-informed help can make a difference. Book a confidential consultation with Dr. Millia, trauma-focused psychiatrist in Dubai.
📲 Book on WhatsApp
What Does Dissociating Feel Like?
Dissociative experiences can be confusing or frightening to some. The symptoms can trigger panic attacks, as they may bring a lack of control over the body. Similarly, panic attacks can trigger dissociation, and the loop just gets reinforced.
Mr X stops driving because each time he feels anxious about getting hit by a car. He starts to feel dizzy (a dissociative symptom), which gives him a sense of loss of control over his body. This then triggers a panic attack. In response, a fogginess (dissociative symptom) develops, which escalates the panic attacks further. This cycle becomes endless.
Key Takeaways—Signs of Dissociation
- Dissociation can range from mild zoning out to more severe disconnection.
- Common signs include brain fog, blanking out, staring off, and feeling “not present.”
- May involve muffled hearing, sensory changes, or feeling floaty or lightheaded.
- Emotional numbness, shutting down, or difficulty comprehending information.
- Severe dissociation may include losing time, memory gaps, or identity shifts.
- Physical or medical factors can also contribute and should be considered.
What Is the Difference Between Depersonalization and Derealization?
Depersonalisation
- Feeling disconnected from yourself.
- Sense of observing your body from outside yourself.
- Emotional numbness or feeling “not fully here.”
- Thoughts or actions may feel unreal or automated.
- Disconnecting from your own feelings, identity, or physical presence.
Derealisation
- Feeling disconnected from the external world.
- People or surroundings feel unreal, dreamlike, or distant.
- Foggy or visually altered environment.
- Sounds, time, or space may feel distorted.
- Sensation that the world feels muted or unfamiliar.
How do you treat dissociation?
There are several important ways to support individuals experiencing dissociation.
- First, the therapist will help the client learn more about the habitual triggers for the dissociative responses.
- Dissociation is an emergency response that protects the person from pain and anxiety. The root of such reactions may have developed early in life.
- To work effectively with dissociations, the therapist will help the client feel safe enough to approach them. Many layers of fear may need support before working with the dissociation.
- Healing the part that uses dissociation to cope is a gradual and gentle process—taking the process at a slow pace allows the system to find relief more easily.
- Internal Family Systems therapy is effective in helping those whose dissociation is rooted in unresolved trauma.
Is EMDR therapy suitable for dissociation?
In its standard form, EMDR is not advised for individuals with moderate to severe dissociation. Additional interventions are necessary before starting EMDR. EMDR is an intensive therapy, and attempting to access traumatic memories before managing dissociation is like stepping onto unstable landmines. For those with dissociation, parts work, such as Internal Family Systems therapy, should be done beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions — Understanding Dissociation
What is dissociation — and is it the same as spacing out?
No. Occasional zoning out can be normal. Dissociation is usually involuntary and involves detachment from self, body, emotions, or surroundings, often linked to psychological trauma.
When does dissociation become a problem?
Dissociation becomes a concern when it is persistent or disruptive—affecting memory, relationships, work, or your ability to stay present.
Can dissociation be a normal response?
Yes. Brief dissociation can be a protective response to stress, fatigue, or emotional overload. It becomes problematic when it turns into a default coping pattern.
What commonly triggers dissociation?
Triggers include overwhelming stress, anxiety, emotional pain, exhaustion, or situations that feel unsafe or out of control. These often echo earlier attachment trauma or unmet emotional needs.
How can I tell if I’m dissociating or just tired or distracted?
Dissociation often involves memory gaps, emotional numbing, a sense of unreality, or prolonged blankness. Overlap with other conditions can occur, so assessment matters.
Can dissociation go away on its own?
Mild, situational dissociation may settle as stress reduces. When dissociation is rooted in unresolved trauma, trauma-informed therapy is usually needed for lasting change.
Is it safe to process trauma if I dissociate easily?
Not always. Memory or trauma processing without stabilisation can increase dissociation. Therapy usually focuses first on grounding, internal safety, and regulation.
How long does dissociation last?
Dissociation can last moments, hours, days, or longer. With appropriate support and therapies such as Internal Family Systems (IFS) or EMDR, symptoms often reduce significantly.
Does medication help dissociation?
Medication is not always helpful and may worsen symptoms in some people. Careful assessment and non-medication approaches are often essential.
What role does childhood trauma play?
Early experiences such as neglect, emotional misattunement, or abuse are among the most common contributors. Dissociation develops as protection and may continue into adulthood.
How do I find a therapist experienced with dissociation?
Look for therapists experienced in trauma, dissociation, and parts-based work. Approaches like IFS therapy focus on safety, pacing, and integration.
Can dissociation be confused with ADHD or psychosis?
Yes. Symptoms can overlap with anxiety, ADHD, or other conditions. Dissociation usually involves detachment rather than loss of reality testing.
Dissociation is a protective nervous-system response. With the right support, it can be understood and gently healed.
About Dr. Millia
Dr. Millia Begum
is a trained trauma specialist with over 25 years of clinical experience in psychiatry and therapy. She trained in the UK’s NHS system and served the NHS in various senior roles.
She is a former EMDR Europe Approved Consultant, EMDR researcher, and board member of the EMDR Association UK. She is now a member of the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA).
Dr. Millia is a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist, bringing a compassionate, parts-informed approach to her work with clients in Dubai.
📞 Contact Dr. Millia
If you would like to book a consultation or learn more about services, please get in touch:
- Clinic: First Psychiatry Clinic
- Address: 975 Al Wasl Road, Dubai, UAE
- Phone: +971 55 355 7855
- Email: info@milliabegum.ae
- Website: milliabegum.ae
