What defines dissociative disorders?

Dissociative disorders are primarily characterized by a disconnection or separation of consciousness from thoughts, memories, feelings, or a person's sense of self. This phenomenon can manifest in various ways, such as gaps in memory, alterations in identity, or feelings of detachment from one’s own body or surroundings.

The correct answer highlights this key aspect of dissociative disorders, focusing on the individual’s experience of disconnecting from their own memories, thoughts, or feelings. This can often occur as a coping mechanism in response to trauma or stress, allowing individuals to distance themselves from distressing experiences.

The other options describe conditions or characteristics that belong to different psychological disorders. For example, severe mood swings and impulsivity are more closely associated with mood disorders or borderline personality disorder. Symptoms of ADHD instead relate to attention regulation issues and hyperactivity, which have no relation to dissociation. Additionally, the presence of hallucinations and delusions pertains to psychotic disorders, where individuals may experience distorted reality rather than a disconnection from personal memories or identity. This context emphasizes why the focus on conscious awareness and its separation is pivotal to understanding dissociative disorders.