The DSM-IV-TR category of Dissociative Disorders is characterized by an interruption of the functions of perception, identity, consciousness or memory. Disorders in the Dissociative Disorders category include Dissociative Amnesia, Dissociative Fugue, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), Depersonalization Disorder, and Dissociative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. All disorders in the Dissociative Disorders category must be distinguished from conditions due to a general medical condition or substance use disorder. Additionally, Dissociative Amnesia falls within the diagnostic criteria for Dissociative Fugue, Dissociative Identity Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Acute Stress Disorder, and Somatization Disorder; therefore, an additional diagnosis of dissociated amnesia is not provided. Dissociative amnesia must be differentiated from age-related cognitive decline and nonpathological forms of amnesia. Dissociative fugue must be distinguished from wandering that can occur when a person experiences a complex partial seizure. Additionally, if a person is diagnosed with DID, they will not receive an additional diagnosis of Dissociative Fugue. However, if a person is experiencing depersonalization and dissociative fugue, they will only be diagnosed with dissociative fugue and depersonalization disorder should not be diagnosed. Dissociative Fugue should be distinguished from a Manic Episode by taking into account any trips associated with grandiosity. Dissociative Fugue is distinguished from Schizophrenia because people with Dissociative Fugue generally do not have the psychopathology associated with schizophrenia. Finally, simulated fugue states can occur in people who attempt to escape a situation to gain p...... middle of paper ...... common theme among the disorders that intrigue me most (borderline personality disorder , post-traumatic disorder Stress disorder and DID): stress or side effects resulting from childhood abuse. In conclusion, there are several disorders in the Dissociative Disorders category and they are characterized by a disruption of previously integrated cognitive functioning. DID is the general diagnosis that includes many of the diagnostic criteria of other diagnoses. Therefore, if a person is diagnosed with DID, they will not receive a comorbid diagnosis with another dissociative disorder. Works Cited Brand, B., Classen, C., Lanins, R., Loewenstein, R., McNary, S., Pain, C., Putnam, F. (2009). Anaturalistic study of dissociative identity disorder and dissociative disorder not otherwise specified in patients treated by community clinicians. Psychological trauma, 1(2), 153-171.