Which of the following is a type of dissociative disorder?

• A. Generalized anxiety disorder
• B. Bipolar disorder
• C. Schizophrenia
• D. Dissociative amnesia

Answer: (D)

Dissociative disorders involve disruptions in memory, identity, or consciousness that aren’t explained by substance use or another medical condition. Dissociative amnesia is a type of dissociative disorder characterized by an inability to recall important personal information, usually after a stressful or traumatic event, and the memory loss isn’t due to ordinary forgetting or a neurological disease. This makes it the example that fits the category best, because it centers on a disruption of autobiographical memory rather than worry, mood, or psychotic symptoms. By contrast, generalized anxiety disorder centers on pervasive worry, bipolar disorder involves mood swings with mania and depression, and schizophrenia features delusions or hallucinations. So the correct choice is a dissociative disorder due to its defining memory disruption.