Dissociation

dissociation /dis·so·ci·a·tion/ (-so?se-a´shun)

1. the act of separating or state of being separated.

2. the separation of a molecule into two or more fragments produced by the absorption of light or thermal energy or by solvation.

3. segregation of a group of mental processes from the rest of a person's usually integrated functions of consciousness, memory, perception, and sensory and motor behavior.

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atrial dissociation  independent beating of the left and right atria, each with normal rhythm or with one or both having an abnormal rhythm.

atrioventricular dissociation  control of the atria by one pacemaker and of the ventricles by another, independent pacemaker.

electromechanical dissociation  continued electrical rhythmicity of the heart in the absence of effective mechanical function.

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dis·so·ci·a·tion (d-ss-shn, -sh-)

n.

1. The chemical process by which the action of a solvent or a change in physical condition, as in pressure or temperature, causes a molecule to split into simpler groups of atoms, single atoms, or ions.

2. The separation of an electrolyte into ions of opposite charge.

3. Separation of a group of related psychological activities into autonomously functioning units, as in the generation of multiple personalities.

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dis·soci·ate v.

dis·soci·ative adj.

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Dissociation

A psychological mechanism in which the mind splits off certain aspects of a traumatic event from conscious awareness. Dissociation can affect the patient's memory, sense of reality, and sense of identity.

Mentioned in: Acute Stress Disorder, Dissociative Disorders, Mental Status Examination, Multiple Personality Disorder, Self-Mutilation, Somatoform Disorders

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dissociation,

n the psychologically induced, distinct partition of separate mental functions (e.g., identity, memory, and awareness) from normal behavior or consciousness.

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dissociation

the act of separating or the state of being separated.

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atrial dissociation

independent beating of the left and right atria, each with normal rhythm or with various combinations of normal rhythm, atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation.

atrioventricular dissociation

independent pacemakers in the atria and ventricles.

dissociation constant

the tendency of a solute to dissociate in solution.

hepatocyte dissociation

hepatocytes becomes detached from their neighboring cells, either generally or locally; a feature of death of the patient.