Dissociation - What is it really?
Tue Feb 03 2026
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 specific regions like the temporal parietal junction and the default mode network integrate our sense of self and environment, Dr. O'Leary compares how disruptions in these areas lead to the fragmented reality experienced in various psychiatric conditions. This discussion aims to shift the listener's perspective of dissociation from a vague symptom to a complex breakdown of mental integration that can be induced by drugs, trauma, or even intentional meditative practices.
Please leave feedback at https://www.psydactic.com or send any comments to feedback@psydactic.com.
References and readings (when available) are posted at the end of each episode transcript, located at psydactic.buzzsprout.com. All opinions expressed in this podcast are exclusively those of the person speaking and should not be confused with the opinions of anyone else. We reserve the right to be wrong. Nothing in this podcast should be treated as individual medical advice.
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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 specific regions like the temporal parietal junction and the default mode network integrate our sense of self and environment, Dr. O'Leary compares how disruptions in these areas lead to the fragmented reality experienced in various psychiatric conditions. This discussion aims to shift the listener's perspective of dissociation from a vague symptom to a complex breakdown of mental integration that can be induced by drugs, trauma, or even intentional meditative practices. Please leave feedback at https://www.psydactic.com or send any comments to feedback@psydactic.com. References and readings (when available) are posted at the end of each episode transcript, located at psydactic.buzzsprout.com. All opinions expressed in this podcast are exclusively those of the person speaking and should not be confused with the opinions of anyone else. We reserve the right to be wrong. Nothing in this podcast should be treated as individual medical advice.