Treatment of Dissociative Disorders

Pharmacological Interventions

• The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommends the use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine and sertraline for depressive symptoms, following the same treatment guidelines as for patients without dissociative disorders 1
• For anxiety, SSRIs, α-2 agonists (clonidine, guanfacine), and beta blockers may be considered, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1
• Melatonin may be effective for sleep disturbances, while benzodiazepines and antihistamines should be used with caution due to the risk of disinhibition, as suggested by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1
• Benzodiazepines should be avoided as a first-line treatment due to the risk of behavioral disinhibition and potential for dependence, as recommended by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1