The effectiveness of treatments for dissociative disorders has not been studied. Treatment options are based on case studies, not research. Treatment may take many years.
Options may include:
- A safe environment – doctors will try to get the person to feel safe and relaxed, which is enough to trigger memory recall in some people with dissociative disorders
- Psychiatric drugs – such as barbiturates
- Hypnosis – may help to recover repressed memories, although this form of treatment for dissociative disorders is considered controversial
- Psychotherapy – also known as talk therapy or counselling, which is usually needed for the long term. Examples include cognitive therapy and psychoanalysis
- Stress management – since stress can trigger symptoms
- Treatment for other disorders – typically, a person with a dissociative disorder may have other mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. Treatment may include antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to try to improve the symptoms of the dissociative disorder.
