A Fugue State, formally known as Dissociative Fugue, is a rare condition where an individual suddenly travels away from their usual surroundings, may adopt a new identity, and has amnesia for their past or personal details. It is often triggered by severe stress or trauma.
Key Points:
- Symptoms: Sudden, unexpected travel; confusion about one’s identity or assumption of a new identity; inability to recall significant parts of one’s past.
- Duration: Can last hours, days, or longer; once the fugue ends, individuals may feel disoriented and struggle to remember the events that occurred during the fugue.
- Causes & Risk Factors: Extreme stress, trauma, or unresolved emotional conflict; sometimes linked to dissociative disorders.
- Treatment: Psychotherapy (trauma-focused therapies), support in reestablishing personal identity, and addressing the underlying psychological stress.
