Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) Practice Exam

Dissociative disorders are characterized by a disconnection between a person's thoughts, memory, and sense of identity. A common symptom is indeed loss of memory, particularly regarding personal information or events. This symptom is often termed "dissociative amnesia" and can manifest as gaps in memory that might disrupt an individual’s ability to recall experiences or identities, particularly those related to trauma or stress.

This loss of memory can be temporary and may vary in scope, affecting specific events or broader aspects of one's identity. The key feature is that this memory loss is not due to a medical condition or substance use but rather is a psychological response to overwhelming experiences.

Other symptoms associated with dissociative disorders such as altered sense of identity or feeling detached from oneself may accompany memory issues, but loss of memory is a distinct and notable symptom.