Dissociation Among Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain: Relation to Surgical Treatment, Pelvic Pain Severity, and Health-Related Quality of Life.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is associated with a history of trauma and symptoms of somatoform dissociation. We aimed to describe how somatoform dissociation impacts CPP symptoms, surgical treatment, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Patients (N = 133) diagnosed with CPP presenting for an appointment at a women's health clinic between November, 2019 - July, 2021 were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional study and complete a survey assessing symptoms of somatoform dissociation, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), pelvic pain severity, history of CPP-related surgeries, and mental and physical HRQOL. We also conducted a post-hoc analysis assessing correlations of individual symptom items on the Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ-20) with HRQOL outcomes. We did not find a relationship between somatoform dissociation and pelvic pain severity or surgical history. Physical HRQOL outcomes were related to somatoform dissociation, PTSD symptoms, and pelvic pain severity, while mental HRQOL outcomes were connected to somatoform dissociation and PTSD symptoms. Our study reveals preliminary evidence suggesting that among CPP patients, HRQOL outcomes are affected by unique profiles of positive and negative symptoms of somatoform dissociation, including sensory disturbances, localized genital pain, and generalized numbness and bodily analgesia. Addressing specific symptoms of somatoform dissociation may enhance HRQOL among trauma-exposed women with CPP. Replication studies are needed to validate our findings. Integrating trauma-informed approaches, including standardized evaluations of trauma exposure and symptoms of somatoform dissociation into routine care for women with CPP is encouraged.

Virtual Reality-Induced Dissociative Symptoms: A Retrospective Study.

Objective: The use of virtual reality (VR) has been increasing worldwide, as devices are becoming more sophisticated and provide an escape from reality during the COVID-19 lockdown. This recent rise in the use of VR leads to new side effects being reported, such as dissociative symptoms that may or may not constitute a mental health concern. This retrospective study investigated the prevalence and intensity of dissociative symptoms in VR users, as well as some potential predisposing conditions that may trigger them, and their impact on the subjects' wellbeing. Materials and Methods: We conducted a survey (n = 358) that was posted on VR Facebook groups. This survey was approved by the University of Lisbon Medical Faculty's IRB, and comprised a modified version of the Clinician-Administered Dissociative State Scale (CADSS) and questions regarding potential risk factors known to induce dissociative disorders or experiences. Results: Data analysis revealed that 83.9% participants reported dissociative symptoms, with varying intensity according to CADSS (X̄=7.62;s=7.89). Significant correlations were found between CADSS score and the time spent playing, the use of software applications (apps) that involve virtual hands or hand tracking, history of previous dissociative experiences, traumatic childhood events, avoidant coping strategies, and psychiatric disorders. Nonetheless, most participants categorized the symptoms as nonanxiogenic (85.8%) and minute lasting (77.4%). Conclusion: In conclusion, this study revealed that although VR can induce dissociative experiences, they seem to be short lasting and nonthreatening to the individual's wellbeing and might be predicted or attenuated by managing other known risk factors for dissociative phenomena.