Symptom 12. Disorientation and Confusion: Lost in One’s World
Disorientation and confusion are hallmark symptoms of dissociative fugue. Individuals may often feel lost or bewildered about their surroundings, their identity, and their experiences during the fugue state. This symptom signifies the profound memory loss and identity confusion associated with this disorder.
Individuals experiencing disorientation may struggle to recognize familiar places or people, feeling like they’re in a completely alien environment. They may have trouble remembering personal information, such as their name, age, or occupation. This symptom can be incredibly distressing, leading to feelings of fear and helplessness.
Confusion, on the other hand, often revolves around their inability to understand their experiences during the fugue state. They may be perplexed by their unexplained travels, altered identity, or actions that are inconsistent with their normal behavior. This confusion can exacerbate their emotional distress and make it challenging for them to make sense of their experiences.
Disorientation and confusion can severely disrupt the individual’s daily functioning. They may struggle with simple tasks, have difficulty interacting with others, or find it challenging to perform their professional duties. This disruption can lead to a decrease in their quality of life, further compounding their distress. (12)
