Dissociative Fugue

The work group is proposing that this disorder be subsumed into an existing disorder: Dissociative Amnesia (to become a subtype of Dissociative Amnesia)

The literature, reviewed in the Dissociative Disorders literature review, makes it clear that dissociative amnesia, usually for identity, is the primary feature, and travel is an inconsistent one.  Also, the disorder is extremely rare, so inclusion as a subtype of Dissociative Amnesia seems reasonable.

Reference: Spiegel D et al. (Depression & Anxiety; in preparation)

Dissociative Fugue (formerly Psychogenic Fugue)

A. The predominant disturbance is sudden, unexpected travel away from home or one's customary place of work, with inability to recall one's past.

B. Confusion about personal identity or assumption of a new identity (partial or complete).

C. The disturbance does not occur exclusively during the course of Dissociative Identity Disorder and is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition (e.g., temporal lobe epilepsy).

D. The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.