dissociative fugue

in DSM–IV–TR, a dissociative disorder in which the individual suddenly and unexpectedly travels away from home or a customary place of daily activities and is unable to recall some or all of his or her past. Symptoms also include either confusion about personal identity or assumption of a new identity. No other signs of mental disorder are present, and the fugue state can last from hours to months. Travel can be brief or extended in duration, and there may be no memory of travel once the individual is brought back to the prefugue state. DSM–5 subsumes dissociative fugue as a feature that may or may not occur with dissociative amnesia rather than as a separate diagnosis.

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Psychology term of the day

January 3rd 2025

unipolar disorder

persistent or pervasive depression that does not involve a manic episode, a hypomanic episode, or a mixed episode. As such, it contrasts with bipolar disorder. The term is sometimes used synonymously with major depressive disorder. Also called unipolar depression.