Which of the following is NOT a type of dissociative disorder?

• A. Depressive disorder
• B. Dissociative amnesia
• C. Dissociative identity disorder
• D. Depersonalization/derealization disorder

Answer: (A)

This question tests recognizing what counts as a dissociative disorder versus a mood disorder. Dissociative disorders center on disruptions in memory, identity, consciousness, or perception that are not explained by a medical condition, often linked to trauma or severe stress.

Depressive disorder is a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, anhedonia, and other mood-related symptoms, but it does not feature the core dissociative phenomena like memory gaps, multiple distinct identities, or depersonalization. That’s why depressive disorder is not a dissociative disorder.

The other options are dissociative: dissociative amnesia involves inability to recall important autobiographical information; dissociative identity disorder involves two or more distinct identities or personality states; depersonalization/derealization disorder involves persistent feelings of unreality or detachment from self or surroundings.