Psychogenic amnesia, also known as dissociative amnesia, is a psychological condition where a person experiences memory loss, typically related to stressful or traumatic events. Unlike other forms of amnesia, psychogenic amnesia arises due to emotional or psychological factors, rather than physical injury or neurological conditions. This type of memory loss is often temporary, with the memory returning once the individual’s emotional state stabilises. However, the process can be complex, and understanding its signs and treatment is crucial for effective intervention.

Signs of Psychogenic Amnesia

The signs of psychogenic amnesia can vary significantly from person to person, often depending on the severity of the trauma or stress that triggered the condition. Here are some common signs:

• Memory Gaps: The most prominent sign of psychogenic amnesia is the inability to recall certain personal information or events, especially those that are linked to a traumatic experience. These memory gaps may involve periods of a person’s life, such as a few hours, days, or even years.
• Confusion and Disorientation: Individuals may appear confused or disoriented, not knowing where they are, who they are with, or what is happening around them. This sense of being "out of touch" with reality is particularly noticeable in more severe cases.
• Loss of Autobiographical Memory: In psychogenic amnesia, a person may lose recollection of important personal details, such as their name, age, or past experiences. They may also forget key life events, such as significant relationships or life milestones.
• Inability to Recall Traumatic Events: One of the hallmark symptoms of psychogenic amnesia is the inability to recall traumatic or stressful events. For example, someone who has experienced a major accident, or a sudden loss might find themselves unable to remember those events, despite being emotionally affected by them.
• Temporary or Permanent Memory Loss: The duration of memory loss varies. In some cases, the individual may recover their memories after a short period, while in others, the memory loss may persist for much longer. However, the memory often returns as the person processes the underlying emotional trauma.
• Affective Disturbances: People with psychogenic amnesia may also experience mood swings, anxiety, depression, and heightened stress levels. The emotional strain caused by the traumatic event may contribute to the memory impairment.
• Behavioural Changes: Since psychogenic amnesia is often linked to a traumatic experience, individuals may display behavioural changes, such as withdrawal, changes in social interactions, or an unwillingness to discuss certain topics.
• Dissociation: Dissociation, or a sense of detachment from one’s thoughts, feelings, or surroundings, is another sign. A person may feel as though they are "watching" their life from the outside, disconnected from their reality.

Causes of Psychogenic Amnesia

Psychogenic amnesia typically occurs when an individual experiences severe emotional distress. Some common causes include:

• Traumatic Events: Events such as car accidents, natural disasters, physical or sexual abuse, or witnessing violence can cause individuals to dissociate from memories related to those events as a coping mechanism.
• Stress and Anxiety: Chronic stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion can overwhelm an individual’s cognitive capacity, leading to temporary memory loss.
• Loss of Loved Ones: The death of a loved one, particularly if unexpected or sudden, can trigger amnesia.
• Abuse and Neglect: Psychological trauma resulting from long-term emotional or physical abuse, especially during childhood, is a known precursor to dissociative amnesia.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Individuals with PTSD often experience dissociative symptoms, including amnesia, as a way of blocking out painful memories.

Treatment for Psychogenic Amnesia

While psychogenic amnesia may resolve on its own in some cases, treatment is often necessary to help individuals process the trauma and regain their memories. Treatment approaches typically focus on addressing the underlying psychological factors that caused the memory loss. Here are some common treatment methods:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals recognize and reframe negative thought patterns and behaviours associated with trauma. It can also help individuals healthily process memories and emotions.
• Trauma-Focused Therapy: This approach directly addresses the traumatic events that may have led to amnesia. Techniques like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help patients process and integrate traumatic memories.
• Psychodynamic Therapy: This therapy aims to explore unconscious processes and past experiences that may be contributing to dissociation and memory loss.

• Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy can be useful in helping individuals access repressed memories. Under the guidance of a trained therapist, hypnosis may allow the person to recall blocked memories and process them in a safe, controlled manner.

Conclusion

Psychogenic amnesia is a complex and often distressing condition that can significantly impact an individual’s life. The memory loss associated with this disorder is not just a matter of forgetting—it is an emotional coping mechanism that helps the person detach from overwhelming psychological stress. Recognizing the signs of psychogenic amnesia and seeking timely treatment can help individuals regain their memories and heal from the trauma they’ve experienced. Therapy, medication, and strong support systems are essential to recovery. With proper treatment, most people with psychogenic amnesia can successfully regain their memories and resume their lives.

Contributed by: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist & Life Coach &  Ms. Srishti Jain, Counselling Psychologist

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
• Bernstein, D. P., & Putnam, F. W. (1986). Development, reliability, and validity of a dissociation scale. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 174(12), 727-735. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005053-198612000-00004
• Chilcot, J., & Scully, J. L. (2006). Psychogenic amnesia: A review of the literature and clinical case. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 62(4), 507-514. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20233
• Cohen, L., & Bruns, D. (2005). Psychodynamic therapy and dissociative disorders: An overview. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 28(3), 531-548. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2005.02.004
• Lindner, R., & Lahuis, L. (2009). Trauma-related amnesia: Dissociative amnesia and PTSD. Journal of Trauma and Dissociation, 10(2), 124-136. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299730902717907