Dissociative disorders are a group of mental disorders defined as "... a disruption in the usually integrated functions of consciousness, memory, identity, or perception of the environment." All dissociative disorders cause significant interference with the patient's general functioning, including social relationships and employment.

Dissociation is a mechanism that allows the mind to separate or compartmentalize certain memories or thoughts from normal consciousness. These split-off mental contents are not erased. They may resurface spontaneously or be triggered by objects or events in the person's environment.

The dissociation process occurs along a spectrum of severity. It does not necessarily mean that a person has a dissociative disorder or other mental illness. A mild degree of dissociation can occur with physical stress; people who have gone without sleep for a long period of time, have had "laughing gas" for dental surgery, or have been in a minor accident often have...