Which of the following is false regarding dissociative disorders?

• A. Traumatic experiences can contribute to the development of dissociative disorders.
• B. Dissociative identity disorder is a type of dissociative disorder.
• C. Dissociative disorders are always caused by substance abuse.
• D. They involve disruptions in memory, identity, or consciousness.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand what dissociative disorders are. These disorders involve disruptions or discontinuity in memory, identity, consciousness, or perception, often as a response to trauma or stress.
2. Step 2: Review the role of traumatic experiences. Recognize that traumatic experiences, especially in early life, are commonly linked to the development of dissociative disorders.
3. Step 3: Identify dissociative identity disorder (DID) as a specific type of dissociative disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities.
4. Step 4: Examine the claim about substance abuse. Understand that while substance abuse can cause some symptoms that mimic dissociation, dissociative disorders themselves are not always caused by substance abuse; trauma is a more central factor.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the false statement is the one claiming dissociative disorders are always caused by substance abuse, as this is not accurate according to psychological understanding.