Özdemir O, Güzel Özdemir P, Boysan M, Yilmaz E. The Relationships Between Dissociation, Attention, and Memory Dysfunction.
Noro Psikiyatr Ars 2015;
52:36-41. [PMID:
28360673 DOI:
10.5152/npa.2015.7390]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Dissociation is a disruption in the integrated functions of consciousness, memory, identity, and perception. Dissociative symptoms include derealization/depersonalization, absorption, and amnesia. These experiences can cause a loss of control over mental processes, including memory and attention. In literature, there is a paucity of research concerning the relationships between dissociation and memory performance. In this study, our aim was to investigate the relationships between dissociative experiences, attention, and memory performance in a non-clinical community sample.
METHODS
In this study, we examined the relationship between dissociation and cognitive dysfunction among 60 healthy volunteers. We administered the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised, Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Stroop Color Word Interference Test, and Dissociative Experience Scale. Here we examined the relationships between the subtypes of dissociation and memory performance as assessed by neuropsychological tests.
RESULTS
We found that verbal memory was negatively associated with dissociative experiences. Pathological dissociation, particularly amnesia and depersonalization/derealization, was reversely linked to general memory performance and long-term memory. Moreover, low dissociators reported higher scores on verbal memory, general memory performance, and long-term memory but lower scores on recognition than high dissociators.
CONCLUSION
The results of our study suggested that there are significant linkages between dissociative experiences and memory performance.
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