The forensic assessment of dissociation: Distinguishing real from the unreal

Abstract

AbstractBecause a wide range of disorders incorporate dissociative symptoms, evaluators should be familiar with evidence‐based approaches to evaluating dissociation claims in the clinical and forensic context. This article provides specific guidelines for practitioners when conducting a forensic assessment of individuals who report dissociative symptoms. We review the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition disorders that include dissociation as a symptom, highlight how to distinguish genuine versus atypical symptoms of dissociative identity disorder, and summarize strengths and weaknesses of structured assessments in the evaluation of dissociative claims.