Dissociative fugue (formerly psychogenic fugue) is a rare and little unders
tood dissociative disorder. Following a review of the pertinent literature,
five cases of dissociative fugue are described. These cases were systemati
cally studied with a comprehensive history, mental status examination, phys
ical and neurological evaluation, review of previous medical and psychiatri
c records, and psychological testing including MMPI, WAIS-R, electroencepha
logram, and Dissociative Experiences Scale. An unexpected finding was that,
in some cases, associated criminal activity may allow the person with diss
ociative fugue to continue to function in spite of their loss of memory and
original identity.