Abstract
We report on a case of dissociative disorder in adolescence. The patient was a 15-year-old girl who had various dissociative episodes. She was given supportive psychotherapy and administered medication ; at the same time her parents were given parental guidance. As a result, by the end of the therapy regimen, the symptoms of the dissociative disorder had disappeared. In the treatment of dissociative disorders in adolescence, we believe it is necessary to promote patients' developmental aspects with understanding their regression and at the same time, to provide a stable environment and an objective goal. Moreover, we have found the importance for the people helping the patient to show empathy, but not to be deeply involved in the patient's acting-out and traumatic experiences by keeping a safe distance. This is useful to avoid promoting the patient's regression as a means of defense mechanism. The use of medication in conjunction with the psychotherapy was effective in alleviating anxiety and stress that are particular to dissociative disorder.
