Sunday, March 14, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Website Bibliography
Website Bibliography
1. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/294508-overview
2. http://psyweb.com/Mdisord/jsp/dissd.jsp#df
3. http://www.depression-guide.com/dissociative-fugue.htm
4. http://www.minddisorders.com/Del-Fi/Dissociative-fugue.html
5. http://www.minddisorders.com/A-Br/Amnesia.html
6. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15373503/#storyContinued
7. http://science.jrank.org/pages/299/Amnesia.html
8. http://psychcentral.com/disorders/sx87.htm
9. http://neurology.health-cares.net/amnesia-symptoms.php
1. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/294508-overview
2. http://psyweb.com/Mdisord/jsp/dissd.jsp#df
3. http://www.depression-guide.com/dissociative-fugue.htm
4. http://www.minddisorders.com/Del-Fi/Dissociative-fugue.html
5. http://www.minddisorders.com/A-Br/Amnesia.html
6. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15373503/#storyContinued
7. http://science.jrank.org/pages/299/Amnesia.html
8. http://psychcentral.com/disorders/sx87.htm
9. http://neurology.health-cares.net/amnesia-symptoms.php
Part III, by Robert Ponsonby
Part III, by Robert Ponsonby
Colby Kirkland - Are there any treatments for Dissociative Fugue, such as a particular therapy or medication?
Dr. Sturzendorf – Yes well it is believed, that similar to PTSD, that alternative treatment for a dissociative disorder, such as Fugue, might benefit from antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication. But the predominant treatment is Psychotherapy, sometimes involving hypnosis, and is often effective in the treatment of dissociative fugue. Patients, with support from therapists, are encouraged to remember past events by learning to face and cope with the stressful experiences that precipitated the fugue. During Psychotherapy, the patient is forced to remember that events that led to the episode often result in in grief, depression, fear, anger, remorse, and other psychological states that require more therapy. Although I must say that for most cases efforts to restore memory of the fugue period are often unsuccessful.
Colby Kirkland – So Jeffrey, how has your recovery been?
Jeffrey Ingram – It has gone really well. As the doctor mentioned, psychotherapy seems to have worked wonders for me and has taught me how to deal with stress more constructively. And thankfully I have no need for medication. C- Now Dr. going back to you for a second. Some people have claimed that ethically, psychotherapy is is wrong. What would you say to those who share this view point?
Dr. Sturzendorf - Well first I would ask them to remember that, similar to other medical professionals, those who practice psychotherapy are bound by doctor-patient confidentiality, which protects the rights of the patient. Also I would point out that nothing is released with out the patients consent.
Colby Kirkland - Very interesting Doctor. Thank you for shedding light on these strange mental illnesses. Join us next Wednesday on Crazy Psychology when we invite Dr. Shawn Spencer for a discussion of Anxiety disorders. Until next time, this Colby Kirkland wishing you a CRAAAAZY week!
Colby Kirkland - Are there any treatments for Dissociative Fugue, such as a particular therapy or medication?
Dr. Sturzendorf – Yes well it is believed, that similar to PTSD, that alternative treatment for a dissociative disorder, such as Fugue, might benefit from antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication. But the predominant treatment is Psychotherapy, sometimes involving hypnosis, and is often effective in the treatment of dissociative fugue. Patients, with support from therapists, are encouraged to remember past events by learning to face and cope with the stressful experiences that precipitated the fugue. During Psychotherapy, the patient is forced to remember that events that led to the episode often result in in grief, depression, fear, anger, remorse, and other psychological states that require more therapy. Although I must say that for most cases efforts to restore memory of the fugue period are often unsuccessful.
Colby Kirkland – So Jeffrey, how has your recovery been?
Jeffrey Ingram – It has gone really well. As the doctor mentioned, psychotherapy seems to have worked wonders for me and has taught me how to deal with stress more constructively. And thankfully I have no need for medication. C- Now Dr. going back to you for a second. Some people have claimed that ethically, psychotherapy is is wrong. What would you say to those who share this view point?
Dr. Sturzendorf - Well first I would ask them to remember that, similar to other medical professionals, those who practice psychotherapy are bound by doctor-patient confidentiality, which protects the rights of the patient. Also I would point out that nothing is released with out the patients consent.
Colby Kirkland - Very interesting Doctor. Thank you for shedding light on these strange mental illnesses. Join us next Wednesday on Crazy Psychology when we invite Dr. Shawn Spencer for a discussion of Anxiety disorders. Until next time, this Colby Kirkland wishing you a CRAAAAZY week!
Part II, By Mitchell Dolinsky
Part II, by Mitchell Dolinsky
Colby Kirkland: That's a real eye-opener Doctor! So, how can this....."Fugue State” …come about in a man like Jeffrey Ingram? What causes it?
Dr. Sturzendorf: Well there are several etiological theories…that’s what psychologists call the “causes” of disorders…as to why Fugue State can come about. Some believe that Fugues are caused by a person’s willingness to remove him or herself from having to account for potentially stressful actions. A Fugue can release a person from certain responsibilities or from being exposed to dangerous conditions (in a job, for instance) by allowing the person to transport him or herself to another place and mentally forget whatever was troubling him.
Jeffrey Ingram: So are you saying I purposely did this? To have an excuse to get away from all the stress? My friend was dying of cancer!
Dr. Sturzendorf: No, Jeffrey, I’m not doubting your mental illness – it’s very real. The key here, as you said, is stress. Dissociate Fugue episodes are triggered by very stressful events, just like with PTSD. Traumatic experiences like war, natural disasters, or financial troubles can cause the unplanned travel and amnesia characteristics of dissociative fugue. In Jeffrey’s case, it was his friend’s cancer. As you can see, the stress can range from the impersonal to the very personal.
Colby Kirkland: What about Amnesia in general? Are its causes similar to those of Dissociate Fugue?
Dr. Sturzendorf: Well, the etiology of Amnesia can be divided into two categories: the Physiological Causes and the Psychological Causes.
Physiologically-caused Amnesia is called Organic Amnesia. It can happen after head injuries, brain lesions, stroke, substance abuse, carbon monoxide poisoning, malnutrition, electro-convulsive therapy, surgery, and infections. Typically, the memory loss is what is known as antegrade (meaning that events after the trauma are forgotten). Those with organic amnesia usually can remember the distant past well but cannot maintain a grasp on the immediate past.
Amnesia caused psychologically is known as Psychogenic Amnesia. Just like Fugue, the causes can include career-related stress, economic hardship, and emotional distress. Though many experts claim that Amensia has no psychological effects, recent research has revealed that psychological trauma can actually alter the brain physiology, allowing for the interplay of psychological and physiological factors in the etiology of amnesia. Usually Psychogenic Amnesiacs retain general knowledge but not personal knowledge – they may not remember their name but they can speak in an acquired second language. Unlike Organic Amnesia, there is no memory loss.
Colby Kirkland: That's a real eye-opener Doctor! So, how can this....."Fugue State” …come about in a man like Jeffrey Ingram? What causes it?
Dr. Sturzendorf: Well there are several etiological theories…that’s what psychologists call the “causes” of disorders…as to why Fugue State can come about. Some believe that Fugues are caused by a person’s willingness to remove him or herself from having to account for potentially stressful actions. A Fugue can release a person from certain responsibilities or from being exposed to dangerous conditions (in a job, for instance) by allowing the person to transport him or herself to another place and mentally forget whatever was troubling him.
Jeffrey Ingram: So are you saying I purposely did this? To have an excuse to get away from all the stress? My friend was dying of cancer!
Dr. Sturzendorf: No, Jeffrey, I’m not doubting your mental illness – it’s very real. The key here, as you said, is stress. Dissociate Fugue episodes are triggered by very stressful events, just like with PTSD. Traumatic experiences like war, natural disasters, or financial troubles can cause the unplanned travel and amnesia characteristics of dissociative fugue. In Jeffrey’s case, it was his friend’s cancer. As you can see, the stress can range from the impersonal to the very personal.
Colby Kirkland: What about Amnesia in general? Are its causes similar to those of Dissociate Fugue?
Dr. Sturzendorf: Well, the etiology of Amnesia can be divided into two categories: the Physiological Causes and the Psychological Causes.
Physiologically-caused Amnesia is called Organic Amnesia. It can happen after head injuries, brain lesions, stroke, substance abuse, carbon monoxide poisoning, malnutrition, electro-convulsive therapy, surgery, and infections. Typically, the memory loss is what is known as antegrade (meaning that events after the trauma are forgotten). Those with organic amnesia usually can remember the distant past well but cannot maintain a grasp on the immediate past.
Amnesia caused psychologically is known as Psychogenic Amnesia. Just like Fugue, the causes can include career-related stress, economic hardship, and emotional distress. Though many experts claim that Amensia has no psychological effects, recent research has revealed that psychological trauma can actually alter the brain physiology, allowing for the interplay of psychological and physiological factors in the etiology of amnesia. Usually Psychogenic Amnesiacs retain general knowledge but not personal knowledge – they may not remember their name but they can speak in an acquired second language. Unlike Organic Amnesia, there is no memory loss.
Part I, by Colby Kirkland
Part I, by Colby Kirkland
Colby Kirkland: So, Doctor Stuzendorf....what would you say are some of the symptoms of Dissociative Fugue and Amnesia?
Dr. Sturzendorf: Initially, a person in the midst of a Dissociative Fugue episode may appear to have no psychiatric symptoms at all. However, after a while, the individual will start to show some signs of distress. Some of the symptoms of Dissociative Fugue are unexpected trips away from one's home or normal place of work, the inability to recall past events, confusion about personal identity or the taking on of a new identity, present disturbances that are not due to a general medical condition, and clear evidence of impairment in social and occupational areas of functioning.
Some of the symptoms of Amnesia include difficulty in learning new information and remembering previously learned information, confusion and disorientation, and severe memory problems that cause problems at work and in various social settings. In some cases, the degree of memory loss is high enough to require a supervised living situation.
Colby Kirkland: Very interesting information Doctor. What is the prevalence of Dissociative Fugue, and could you give some different facts related to the disorder?
Dr. Sturzendorf: Certainly. Well, about 0.2% of the general population has Dissociative Fugue, but it is more common in connection with wars, accidents, and natural disasters. Individuals with Dissociative Identity Disorder often display Fugue behaviors. A person in a Fugue state usually has no symptoms or is just somewhat disoriented. When the Fugue ends, depression, discomfort, grief, shame, and suicidal or aggressive impulses may appear.
Colby Kirkland: What are the time limitations? How long does a Fugue state usually last?
Dr. Sturzendorf: Most Fugue states are brief and limited, but they can range from hours to weeks or months.
Colby Kirkland: So, Doctor Stuzendorf....what would you say are some of the symptoms of Dissociative Fugue and Amnesia?
Dr. Sturzendorf: Initially, a person in the midst of a Dissociative Fugue episode may appear to have no psychiatric symptoms at all. However, after a while, the individual will start to show some signs of distress. Some of the symptoms of Dissociative Fugue are unexpected trips away from one's home or normal place of work, the inability to recall past events, confusion about personal identity or the taking on of a new identity, present disturbances that are not due to a general medical condition, and clear evidence of impairment in social and occupational areas of functioning.
Some of the symptoms of Amnesia include difficulty in learning new information and remembering previously learned information, confusion and disorientation, and severe memory problems that cause problems at work and in various social settings. In some cases, the degree of memory loss is high enough to require a supervised living situation.
Colby Kirkland: Very interesting information Doctor. What is the prevalence of Dissociative Fugue, and could you give some different facts related to the disorder?
Dr. Sturzendorf: Certainly. Well, about 0.2% of the general population has Dissociative Fugue, but it is more common in connection with wars, accidents, and natural disasters. Individuals with Dissociative Identity Disorder often display Fugue behaviors. A person in a Fugue state usually has no symptoms or is just somewhat disoriented. When the Fugue ends, depression, discomfort, grief, shame, and suicidal or aggressive impulses may appear.
Colby Kirkland: What are the time limitations? How long does a Fugue state usually last?
Dr. Sturzendorf: Most Fugue states are brief and limited, but they can range from hours to weeks or months.
Intro
The following is a transcript of an interview in the radio series "Crazy Psychology". The topic is "Dissociative Fugue and Amnesia".
Colby Kirkland: Hello everyone, and welcome to CRAZY Radio! In those Radio letters that radio hosts always use, that's FM CRZY. Today we're continuing our "Crazy Psychology" Series with a discussion about some really CRAAAZY mental illnesses called Dissociative Fugue and Amnesia.
We've got two guests today - Dr. Hans Sturzendorf and Mr. Jeffrey Ingram. Dr. Sturzendorf is a renowned Psychologist who is an expert on Dissociative mental illnesses.
Dr. Sturzendorf: Hey everyone! I'm also running for President of the American Psychological Association! Vote Sturzendorf!
Colby Kirkland: Yes, thank you Doctor. Our other guest is Jeffrey Ingram, a man who was actually, at one point, in a Fugue State! Tell us a bit about what happened to you, Jeffrey.
Jeffrey Ingram: Hey Colby, thanks again for having me on the show. On September 10, 2006, I suddenly found myself in Denver, Colorado. I couldn't remember who I was, and I walked around for about six hours asking people for help. I eventually ended up at a hospital, where they diagnosed me with a type of amensia known as dissociative fugue. I went on several news shows asking for help, saying "If anybody recognizes me, knows who I am, please let somebody know." It was my fiancee Penny Hansen's brother who recognized me on TV and called the hosptial and the police to get me back home. I know all of this because they told me afterward...they told me that I was on my way to Canada to visit a friend who was dying of cancer when I just dissappeared. When I came home I couldn't remember any of my family members or my fiancee, but I've been slowly regaining my memory with their help.
Colby Kirkland: A truly riveting story, Jeff. Riveting. I know all of our listeners are itching to find out more about this strange illness, so let's begin.
Colby Kirkland: Hello everyone, and welcome to CRAZY Radio! In those Radio letters that radio hosts always use, that's FM CRZY. Today we're continuing our "Crazy Psychology" Series with a discussion about some really CRAAAZY mental illnesses called Dissociative Fugue and Amnesia.
We've got two guests today - Dr. Hans Sturzendorf and Mr. Jeffrey Ingram. Dr. Sturzendorf is a renowned Psychologist who is an expert on Dissociative mental illnesses.
Dr. Sturzendorf: Hey everyone! I'm also running for President of the American Psychological Association! Vote Sturzendorf!
Colby Kirkland: Yes, thank you Doctor. Our other guest is Jeffrey Ingram, a man who was actually, at one point, in a Fugue State! Tell us a bit about what happened to you, Jeffrey.
Jeffrey Ingram: Hey Colby, thanks again for having me on the show. On September 10, 2006, I suddenly found myself in Denver, Colorado. I couldn't remember who I was, and I walked around for about six hours asking people for help. I eventually ended up at a hospital, where they diagnosed me with a type of amensia known as dissociative fugue. I went on several news shows asking for help, saying "If anybody recognizes me, knows who I am, please let somebody know." It was my fiancee Penny Hansen's brother who recognized me on TV and called the hosptial and the police to get me back home. I know all of this because they told me afterward...they told me that I was on my way to Canada to visit a friend who was dying of cancer when I just dissappeared. When I came home I couldn't remember any of my family members or my fiancee, but I've been slowly regaining my memory with their help.
Colby Kirkland: A truly riveting story, Jeff. Riveting. I know all of our listeners are itching to find out more about this strange illness, so let's begin.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)