What is a defining feature of Dissociative Amnesia?

Dissociative Amnesia is characterized primarily by an inability to recall autobiographical information, particularly personal experiences, and memories associated with distressing or traumatic events. This memory loss is often localized to specific events or periods in life, rather than encompassing general knowledge or skills. For instance, a person may not remember a traumatic event or the context surrounding it, which can significantly impact their sense of identity and continuity.

The memory impairment is not due to a medical condition, substance use, or other psychological disorders, as individuals with dissociative amnesia typically retain the ability to engage in their daily lives and perform general knowledge tasks. This maintained functioning underlines the dissociative nature of the amnesia, distinguishing it from other types of memory disorders where broader cognitive impairments might be present.

While the other options mention aspects of cognition or symptoms that could be confused with other psychiatric conditions, the defining aspect of Dissociative Amnesia remains the selective memory loss regarding personal experiences, making the inability to recall autobiographical information the most accurate characteristic of the disorder.