dissociative fugue
A fugue state, formally Dissociative Fugue (previously called Psychogenic Fugue) (DSM-IV Dissociative Disorders 300.13), is a rare psychiatric disorder characterized by reversible amnesia for personal identity, including the memories, personality and other identifying characteristics of individuality. [1]
Individuals with Dissociative Fugue may have a Mood Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, or a Substance-Related Disorder. [2]
People with dissociative fugue temporarily lose their sense of personal identity and impulsively wander or travel away from their homes or places of work. [3]
Dissociative Fugue is one or more episodes of amnesia in which the inability to recall some or all of one’s past and either the loss of one’s identity or the formation of a new identity occur with sudden, unexpected, purposeful travel away from home. [4]
Dissociative fugue is a rare condition in which a person suddenly, without planning or warning, travels far from home or work and leaves behind a past life. [5]
These symptoms can interfere with a person’s general functioning, including social and work activities, and relationships. [3]
The symptoms must cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning (Criterion D). [2]
Accurate diagnosis typically must wait until the fugue is over and the person has sought help or has been brought to the attention of mental health care providers. [5]
During a fugue, individuals may appear to be without psychopathology and generally do not attract attention. [...] In the forensic context, the examiner should always give careful consideration to the diagnosis of malingering when fugue is claimed. [2]
These symptoms can interfere with a person’s general functioning, including social and work activities, and relationships. [6]
The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. [4]
At some point, the individual is brought to clinical attention, usually because of amnesia for recent events or a lack of awareness of personal identity. [2]
Although there are no laboratory tests to specifically diagnose dissociative disorders, the doctor might use various diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and blood tests, to rule out physical illness or medication side effects as the cause of the symptoms. [6]
The goal of treatment is to help the person come to terms with the stress or trauma that triggered the fugue. [3]
Sources:
[1] Fugue state - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[2] Dissociative Fugue (formerly Psychogenic Fugue)
[3] Dissociative Fugue
[4] Psych Central: Dissociative Fugue Symptoms
[5] Dissociative fugue - Definition, Description, Causes and symptoms …
[6] Mental Health: Dissociative Fugue