Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-II)

The Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-II) is a self-assessment questionnaire designed to help individuals explore common dissociative experiences. Developed by Dr. Eve Carlson and Dr. Frank Putnam, this 28-question tool provides a snapshot of behaviors and experiences that can indicate dissociation, such as feelings of detachment or memory lapses. Although not a diagnostic instrument, the DES-II can serve as an initial step in recognizing dissociative tendencies, offering valuable insights into personal patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Question	0%	10%	20%	30%	40%	50%	60%	70%	80%	90%	100%
1. Some people have the experience of driving or riding in a car and suddenly realizing that they don’t remember what has happened during all or part of the trip.
2. Some people have the experience of finding themselves in a place and having no idea how they got there.
3. Some people have the experience of finding new things among their belongings that they do not remember buying.
4. Some people sometimes find that they are dressed in clothes that they don’t remember putting on.
5. Some people have the experience of finding themselves in a conversation that they don’t remember beginning.
6. Some people have the experience of being accused of lying when they do not think that they have lied.
7. Some people have the experience of feeling that their surroundings or other people are not real.
8. Some people have the experience of feeling that other people, objects, and the world around them are not real.
9. Some people have the experience of looking in a mirror and not recognizing themselves.
10. Some people have the experience of feeling that their body does not belong to them.
11. Some people have the experience of feeling that they are standing next to themselves or watching themselves do something and they actually see themselves as if they were looking at another person.
12. Some people find that they sometimes are able to ignore pain.
13. Some people find that they sometimes sit down to read a book, and suddenly realize that they did not read several pages or that they can’t remember what they just read.
14. Some people find that they become so involved in a fantasy or daydream that it feels as though it were really happening to them.
15. Some people find that they sometimes talk out loud to themselves when they are alone.
16. Some people sometimes find that they are told that they did something that they don’t remember doing.
17. Some people sometimes find that they become completely involved in a movie or TV show and are unaware of other things going on around them.
18. Some people sometimes find that they are able to ignore things that are going on around them.
19. Some people sometimes find that they do not feel things that they touch.
20. Some people sometimes find that they cannot remember whether they have done something or have just thought about doing that thing (for example, not knowing whether they have just mailed a letter or have just thought about mailing it).
21. Some people find evidence that they have done things that they do not remember doing.
22. Some people sometimes find writings, drawings, or notes among their belongings that they must have done but cannot remember doing.
23. Some people sometimes find that they hear voices inside their head that tell them to do things or comment on things that they are doing.
24. Some people sometimes feel as though they are two or more different people.
25. Some people sometimes find that they are able to do things with amazing ease or facility that they do not remember learning.
26. Some people sometimes find themselves dressed in clothes that they do not remember putting on.
27. Some people sometimes feel that other people, objects, and the world around them are not real.
28. Some people sometimes find that they hear voices inside their head that tell them to do things or comment on things that they are doing.

Using the DES-II: Instructions for Self-Assessment

To use the DES-II effectively, try to respond to each question based on your typical experiences, not just how you feel at the moment. The scale ranges from 0 to 100, allowing you to indicate how often you encounter each experience in your daily life. By answering honestly and openly, you can gain a more accurate understanding of your dissociative patterns. This reflective process can be helpful for anyone curious about their experiences with detachment, memory gaps, or other related phenomena.

Key Themes Explored in the DES-II

The DES-II covers several core themes associated with dissociation, including memory, perception, and identity. Each question is crafted to address different aspects of dissociative experiences, from daydreaming and zoning out to feeling as though you're observing yourself from outside your body. For instance, some questions may inquire about how frequently you lose track of time or feel as though you’re in a dreamlike state. By exploring these themes, the DES-II provides a broader picture of dissociation, encouraging self-awareness and deeper understanding of personal behaviors that might be unusual or concerning.

Clinical Uses and Relevance of the DES-II

In clinical contexts, the DES-II is often used as a preliminary screening tool to gauge the presence and frequency of dissociative experiences. While it cannot diagnose dissociative disorders, the DES-II can be a useful starting point for discussions with mental health professionals, guiding further assessments or therapeutic interventions. The insights gained can help clinicians determine if more in-depth evaluation is necessary, whether for Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder, or other related conditions. Additionally, the DES-II can aid in identifying co-occurring mental health issues like anxiety or PTSD, which frequently appear alongside dissociative symptoms and may require integrated support.

Benefits of the DES-II for Self-Discovery and Research

Beyond its clinical applications, the DES-II serves as a tool for self-discovery, enabling individuals to explore experiences that may be difficult to articulate or recognize. By taking this self-assessment, people can gain insight into behaviors or feelings that they may have previously dismissed or misunderstood. Researchers also use the DES-II to better understand dissociation in various populations, examining how these experiences vary across different groups and cultural backgrounds. This research contributes to a more inclusive understanding of dissociation, highlighting its complexities and the ways it can manifest in daily life.

Participating in the DES-II assessment can be a significant step toward self-awareness, allowing individuals to reflect on experiences that may impact their mental well-being. Whether you’re taking the DES-II for personal understanding or as a resource to support someone else, it offers a meaningful opportunity to recognize and accept dissociative tendencies. This knowledge can foster compassion and encourage a more supportive environment among family, friends, and professionals.