What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Psychogenic Fugue

What is Dissociative Fugue? (Definition/Background Information)

• Dissociative Fugue is a mental disorder characterized by a temporary loss of memory related to one’s personal identity, leading to sudden episodes of unplanned travel
• This disorder falls into the category of dissociative disorders, which are conditions that result in a breakdown of consciousness (mind), and cause confusion in memory, awareness, identity, or perception
• Dissociative Fugue may be caused due to a combination of biological and environmental factors. However, individuals primarily develop this condition after experiencing extreme psychological stress as a result of abuse, war, violence, and natural disasters
• The traveling associated with Dissociative Fugue is a method to escape the traumatic experience; the affected individuals are not aware of the cause, and the travel is not intentional
• Dissociative Fugue can be treated using a combination of psychotherapy and medication. The prognosis for Dissociative Fugue is typically good and most individuals are able to regain their memories following treatment

Who gets Dissociative Fugue? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Dissociative Fugue is known to affect up to 0.2% of the general population
• Nearly all individuals who develop symptoms of this condition are adults
• Both males and females are equally likely to be affected
• Individuals of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Dissociative Fugue? (Predisposing Factors)

The following are some known risk factors for Dissociative Fugue:

• Certain behavioral traits, such as denial or difficulty in adapting to change
• Extreme psychological stress from abuse, trauma, or violence
• Prolonged use or abuse of recreational drugs

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Dissociative Fugue? (Etiology)

Dissociative Fugue may be caused by extreme psychological stress, which may be triggered by the following factors:

• A severe form of sexual trauma (the most common cause)
• Trauma caused by war
• Trauma caused by a natural disaster
• Extreme shame or embarrassment
• Kidnapping
• Torture
• Long-term childhood abuse (physical or emotional)

Dissociative Fugue may also have a genetic basis and be associated with brain diseases such as dementia, or personality disorders such as schizophrenia.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Dissociative Fugue?

The signs and symptoms of Dissociative Fugue may include the following:

• Memory loss of certain time periods, events, people, and personal information
• Distorted perception of surroundings, people, and things
• Blurred sense of identity
• A sense of detachment from oneself and one’s emotions
• Wandering and traveling somewhere unusual
• A sudden avoidance of certain places

How is Dissociative Fugue Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Dissociative Fugue is made on the basis of information gathered from the following physical and psychiatric methods:

• Complete physical evaluation
• Thorough analysis of personal medical history, focusing on any substance use or abuse that may be causing the dissociative and amnesic experience
• Assessment of symptoms based on the criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5):
  • There is sudden and unexpected travel away from home or work, with no recall of one’s past
  • There is confusion about personal identity or a development of a new identity (which may be partial or complete)
  • The disturbance does not occur exclusively during the course of dissociative identity disorder and is not caused by any substance use (such as drugs or medication) or a general medical condition (such as temporal lobe epilepsy)
• Laboratory tests
• Imaging scans and studies
• Differential diagnosis to rule-out other disorders that may be present with similar signs and symptoms

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Dissociative Fugue?

The following are some complications of Dissociative Fugue:

• Difficulties with interpersonal relationships
• Academic and occupational difficulties
• Behavior that may bring about self-harm
• Mental health problems including:
  • Depression 
  • Anxiety
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Eating disorders
  • Sleep disorders
  • Personality disorders
• Substance dependencies
• Seizures 
• Severe distress and impairment in regular functioning
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

How is Dissociative Fugue Treated?

The treatment for Dissociative Fugue focuses on identifying the cause of dissociation and amnesia. The following treatment methods may be used: 

• Psychotherapy, the primary treatment option, may employ a combination of different methods:
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help change negative and dysfunctional thought patterns, feelings, and behaviors
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to treat nightmares or flashbacks, such as in the cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to help those who have undergone abuse or trauma
  • Family therapy to educate the family of the disorder
  • Art therapy or music therapy
• Meditation and relaxing techniques, including hypnosis
• Medication for associated anxiety and depression

How can Dissociative Fugue be Prevented?

Currently, there are no methods or guidelines available for the prevention of Dissociative Fugue. However, the following may help prevent a worsening of the associated signs and symptoms of the disorder:

• Early intervention, once dissociative symptoms are observed
• Seeking professional help following any traumatic or psychologically distressing event in one’s life
• Avoiding the use of alcohol or drugs, as substance dependencies can worsen the symptoms of Dissociative Fugue

What is the Prognosis of Dissociative Fugue? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Dissociative Fugue is typically good in a majority of the cases.

• The treatment for most cases does not last longer than a few months and the affected individuals are known to make a quick recovery
• In more severe cases, individuals may recover their memories at a much slower rate, thereby requiring a longer course of treatment

Additions and Relevant Useful Information for Dissociative Fugue:

• Dissociative Fugue was earlier known as fugue state
• Other types of dissociative disorders include depersonalization/derealization disorder and dissociative identity disorder