PREVALENCE OF DISSOCIATIVE SYMPTOMS AND DISORDERS IN AN ADULT PSYCHIATRIC INPATIENT POPULATION IN CANADA

Objective: This study attempted to estimate the prevalence of dissocia tive symptoms and disorders in a Canadian adult psychiatric inpatient population and also attempted to determine the extent to which dissoci ative disorders were recognized by the attending clinical staff. Metho d: All appropriate and consenting adult psychiatric inpatients at the Kingston Psychiatric Hospital in Kingston, Ontario, were given the Dis sociative Experiences Scale. Patients scoring 25 or greater were inter viewed with the Dissociative Disorders Interview Schedule and the Stru ctured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Dissociative Disorders. Admission or discharge diagnoses data were used to determine whether or not dis sociative disorders were being recognized. Results: A total of 48 pati ents completed the Dissociative Experiences Scale and 14 (29%) scored 25 or greater. The prevalence of dissociative disorders in this hospit al population was estimated to be 17%. Dissociative identity disorder was found in six percent, dissociative amnesia in eight percent and di ssociative disorder not otherwise specified in two percent of the popu lation. These disorders tended to be under-recognized. Conclusion: Res earch on more extensive populations is required to establish the true prevalence of dissociative symptoms and disorders in psychiatric inpat ients.