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Dissociation

By Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD, About.com

Updated: August 16, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

Definition:

A disruption of the normal state of consciousness and perception. Dissociation has been described as periods of feeling numb, detached, zoned-out, or unreal. Other people or things may also seem strange or unreal.

In its most severe forms, dissociation may involve loss of memory. Dissociation is usually triggered by stress or a traumatic event.

Pronunciation: dis-SO-see-ay-shun
Common Misspellings: disociation, dissassociation

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