International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD)

The International Society for the Study of Trauma and DissociationThis explanation refers to pathological dissociation only; which is dissociation which is a symptom of or causes a mental health disorder. For normative dissociation see Dissociation page. Dissociation is a compartmentalization of experience, where elements of a trauma are not integrated into a unified sense of the Self. {{Rp|4-810, 127}}The lay persons idea of [[dissociation]], that which exists in the normal mind, is not what is referred to in this document. True or pathological dissociation requires an experiencing Self. {{Rp|233-234}} (ISSTD) is an international, non-profit, professionally-oriented association that develops and promotes evidence-based resources and responses to trauma and dissociation. One of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation's primary goals is education, including providing training programs, conferences and publishing the Journal of Trauma & Dissociation. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is internationally recognized for its clinical teaching about complex trauma and dissociation, and tries to make effective treatment available for all who suffer from the effects of chronic or complex trauma.

Mission Statement: The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation seeks to advance clinical, scientific, and societal understanding about the prevalence and consequences of chronic trauma and dissociation.

History of the ISSTD

The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation was formed in 1984 and named the International Society for the Study of Multiple Personality and Dissociation, until 1994 when its name was changed to the International Society for the Study of Dissociation. The current name has been in use since 2006.

Research

The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation's research activities include awarding the David Caul Graduate Research Grants for the education and training of graduate students, and publishing the Journal of Trauma & Dissociation. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation also gives awards to professionals and others who have contributed to the study of trauma and dissociation.

Education

The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation provides resources for the public, including 'frequently asked questions about trauma and dissociation, and a list of professional members in each area to help those who are looking for a therapist. It also provides training and conferences for professionals.

ISSTD Treatment Guidelines

The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is particularly well known for its treatment guidelines for Dissociative Disorders, including Dissociative Identity Disorder and unspecified dissociative disorders. Treatment Guidelines for Adults and Treatment Guidelines for Children & Adolescents are based on expert advice and research carried out over several decades.

Therapists should follow these treatment guidelines in order to achieve the best possible outcomes for their patients.

Journal of Trauma & Dissociation

The Journal of Trauma & Dissociation is the official journal of the International Society for the Study of Trauma & Dissociation. It is a peer-reviewed journal edited by Jennifer J. Freyd, PH.D., Professor Of Psychology, University Of Oregon and well known author. The organization's previous journal, DISSOCIATION, was published from 1988 to 1997.

Online access to current journals requires a subscription, although a limited number of journals are published on the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation website.

See also: Journal of Trauma & Dissociation