Prevalence and correlates of dissociative symptoms among people with depression. (October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fung, Hong Wang; Chien, Wai Tong; Lam, Stanley Kam Ki; Ross, Colin A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of psychiatric research. Volume 154(2022)
• Page Start: 132
• Page End: 138
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Subjects: Depression -- Depressive disorder -- Dissociation -- Trauma -- Psychosocial care; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mental Disorders -- Periodicals; Maladies mentales -- Périodiques; Psychiatry; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.07.054
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3956

Abstract

Abstract: Background: To improve the outcomes of depression treatment, personalized treatments that take individual needs into account are recommended. Recent research suggests that a subgroup of depressed people who suffer from co-occurring dissociation may be more likely to have encountered traumatic or stressful experiences and they may also have more psychosocial intervention needs. Methods: This study examined the prevalence and correlates of dissociative symptoms in an online convenience sample of people (N = 410) from 18 different countries/regions who reported clinically significant levels of depressive symptoms (indicated by Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥10). Results: Over 60% of participants exhibited clinically significant levels of dissociative symptoms (indicated by a Multiscale Dissociation Inventory total score >66). Compared with those with low levels of dissociative symptoms, participants with high levels of dissociative symptoms reported more traumas, interpersonal stress, depression and trauma-related symptoms. Emotional constriction in particular had a weak but significant negative correlation with the level of perceived medication benefits. Limitations: The use of an online convenience sample could limit the generalizability of our findings. Our cross-sectional data could not demonstrate causal relationships between the study variables. Conclusions: The findings highlight a need for complex health interventions for depressed people with co-occurring dissociative symptoms, focusing not only on depressive symptoms but also addressing trauma and dissociation-related symptoms.