Dissociation - What is it really?

Dissociation - What is it really?

From PsyDactic by T. Ryan O'Leary

February 3, 2026 · 35 min · Episode 80

About this episode

Dr. O'Leary explores the neuroscience of dissociation and its implications as a neurobiological defense mechanism.

Dr. O'Leary explores the neuroscience of dissociation, defining it as a degenerate concept that refers to a wide range of functional disconnections within the brain rather than a single clinical entity. The discussion moves from the standard medical definitions—such as depersonalization, derealization, and amnesia—toward a broader view of dissociation as a neurobiological defense mechanism that uses sensory attenuation to manage background noise and overwhelming trauma. By examining how speci...

People in this episode

Host: Dr. O'Leary

Topics covered

  • dissociation
  • neuroscience
  • mental health
  • defense mechanisms
  • trauma

Keywords

  • dissociation
  • neuroscience
  • depersonalization
  • derealization
  • amnesia
  • trauma
  • sensory attenuation

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