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.