Fugus State (psychogenic fugue or dissociative

fugue) By: Erica Swank

Mental Disorder/Illness

Historical Overview

Fugus is a rare mental disorder, it doesn’t occur in many people.

The DSM-IV defines fugue state as a sudden, unexpected travel away from home or one’s customary place of work.

Signs of Fugue / Symptoms

Inability to recall past Confusion about personal identity Assumption of a new identity that is

associated with significant distress of impairment.

Treatments

Fugue only lasts hours or days. But, lately it has been said to last for

months.

Resources: http://www.minddisorders.com/Del-Fi/Di

ssociative-fugue.html

Is it common?

It is a rare mental disorder. Therefore, it usually involves

unplanned travel or wandering around, sometimes accompanied by the establishment of a new identity.

Dissociative Fugue

Observed in the context of severe psychological or physical trauma.

Related to: Bipolar disorder, depression, delirium, and dementia.

Resources: http://www.medscape.com/features/slid

eshow/rare-psych

Case Study #1

Agatha Christie Disappeared on December 3rd, 1926 Disappeared for 11 days, returned, and

found herself in a hotel in Harrogate.

Case Study #2

Jody Roberts Reporter for Tacoma News Tribune Went missing in 1985 Found 12 years later in Sitka, Alaska. Living under the name “Jane Dee

Williams.”

Preventing Fugue

Can not prevent. If you see signs, begin psychotherapy

as soon as possible.

Resources: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/

dissociative_disorders/hic_dissociative_fugue.aspx