Biological Correlates of Dissociative Disorders: A Systematic Review on Biomarkers and Trauma Connections.
Ivano Caselli, Marta Ielmini, Giulia Gastaldello, Alessandro Bellini, Camilla Callegari
Journal of trauma & dissociation : the official journal of the International Society for the Study of Dissociation (ISSD) January 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2025.2481031 via PubMed
Summary
Pathological dissociation involves disruptions in consciousness, memory, identity, perception, and affect, often linked to trauma. This systematic review of 123 studies identifies increased prefrontal cortex activation and reduced hippocampal volume as potential biomarkers for pathological dissociation. Altered connectivity in the limbic system, frequently tied to childhood trauma, further supports the neurobiological basis of dissociative symptoms. Biochemical and genetic findings are promising but inconsistent, requiring more validation. Identifying reliable biomarkers could improve diagnostic accuracy, guide personalized treatments, and monitor therapy responses.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 123 |
| Keywords | Biological correlates Biomarker Dissociation Dissociative disorders Systematic review |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key finding | Increased prefrontal cortex activation and reduced hippocampal volume are potential biomarkers for pathological dissociation, with altered limbic connectivity often linked to childhood trauma. |
Abstract
Pathological dissociation is characterized by disruptions in consciousness, memory, identity, perception, and affect, often linked to trauma and observed across various psychiatric conditions. Previous reviews do not fully cover key biological correlates used as biomarkers and do not clearly define the trauma-dissociation link. Therefore, this systematic review gives an overview of the studies on biomarkers research of the most relevant findings in associations between dissociative disorders and biological correlates. Additionally, it seeks to explore potential links between specific trauma types and recurrent biomarkers. A total of 123 studies were included, highlighting the role of increased prefrontal cortex activation and reduced hippocampal volume as potential biomarkers for pathological dissociation. Altered connectivity in the limbic system, frequently tied to childhood trauma, further underscores the neurobiological basis of dissociative symptoms. Biochemical and genetic studies, while promising, present inconsistent results and require further validation. This review underscores the importance of identifying reliable biomarkers to improve diagnostic accuracy, inform personalized treatment strategies, and monitor therapeutic responses. Future research should aim to unify methodologies and explore novel approaches to enhance clinical applications.