Dissociation, traumatic stress and psychotherapy

Abstract

The review of contemporary theories of dissociation, which inform psychotherapy with dissociative disorders is presented. The article encompasses several aspects on etiology of disociative mechanism; developmental, neurobiopsychological, phylo­genetic and cognitive aspect, respectively. The modern theories from each aspect are overviewed and compared. Authors include also short overview of the history of rese­arch of dissociative phenomena. Review of theories of dissociation shows that different theories of dissociation are complementary. The goal of the article was to find a compre­hensive and coherent explanation for the development and self-maintainance of patho­logical and non-pathological dissociative mechanisms. In the article authors present an attempt of synthesis of different theories of dissociation and contemprorary guidelines for psychotherapy treatment of dissociative disorders.