Question 1

Why has there been little systematic research conducted on dissociative amnesia and fugue?

Accepted Answer

A)  These conditions are too rare to permit more extensive study. 
B)  The diagnosis of both disorders is too controversial; until a consensus is reached as to whether or not there is a true "psychogenic" amnesia, further study is virtually impossible. 
C)  Case studies provide more useful information. 
D)  Both disorders are relatively brief, preventing researchers from having ample time to systematically conduct full evaluations.

Question 2

Octavia has been diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder DID). She has seventeen different "alters" which are strikingly different from her host personality. Some of her alters are not full personalities, but fragments and memories. Some of the alters are children. What aspect of this case is unusual?

Accepted Answer

A)  No aspect of this case is unusual. 
B)  It is unusual for a person with DID to have alters that are very different from the host personality. 
C)  It is unusual for a person with DID to have seventeen alters. 
D)  It is unusual for a person with DID to have fragmentary alters.

Question 3

Following the rejection of his latest novel, Jim experienced an inability to make some movements with his right hand. While he was unable to write, he could scratch and make other simple motions with his affected hand. Two weeks later he was able to write again. What is unique about Jim's case of conversion disorder?

Accepted Answer

A)  Jim's symptoms subsided after only two weeks. 
B)  Jim had some ability to move his hand. 
C)  Jim only lost the ability to move his right hand. 
D)  Jim is male.

Exam 7: Somatoform and Dissociative Disorders

Why has there been little systematic research conducted on dissociative amnesia and fugue?