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dis-sociated - a documentary about Dissociative Seizures

Over the last two decades there has been an impressive rise in research interest in Dissociative Seizures, and our understanding of this common condition has increased considerably. Nevertheless, patients often end up in limbo. Neurologists tell them that their problem is not “neurological”, but psychiatrists may feel uncertain how to help them - and patients may not want to see them anyway, because they can’t believe their problem could be “psychological”.

dis-sociated is a first full-length (51 minute) documentary about Dissociative Seizures and is now available - free to view or show - on YouTube:

The film was produced as a declaration of friendship. Clea Martin Vargas, who made this film, was inspired to dedicate herself to this project when her friend developed dissociative seizures and struggled to find any useful information about her condition for several years.

The film follows Clea’s friend on a journey of self-discovery which ultimately leads to the resolution of the seizures. It also captures the stories of four other individuals with dissociative seizures who share their experiences and insights. Although not everyone portrayed in the film achieves control or understanding of their seizures, they all come across as individuals doing their best to get better and make the most of their lives. While up-to-date expert explanations of dissociative seizures are provided by internationally recognised experts such as Lorna Myers from the US or Markus Reuber from the UK, the most striking aspect of the film are the contributions made by the five individuals with dissociative seizures.

This film was intended to raise awareness and understanding of dissociative seizures among the general public, but it is an excellent therapeutic tool to show people affected by dissociative seizures how life can go on and how they can get better. Patients may find it easier to learn lessons about living with dissociative seizures from other individuals with the condition than from their doctors.