Prognosis and duration

The prognosis for dissociative disorders varies. The prognosis is generally related to the duration of symptoms – the longer the symptoms have been present, the worse the prognosis. Dissociative amnesia and dissociative fugue often respond quickly to treatment if of short duration. Dissociative identity disorder and depersonalisation disorder tend to require many years of treatment. Treatment of chronic conditions is generally only partially effective.

Initially therefore, a short term award of 2 years should be considered.

Thereafter, an indefinite award should be considered.

All information must be taken into account when considering the duration of disabling effects and the duration of disabling effects must be based on the particular circumstances of the individual claimant.

Amended May 2009