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I remember my old days as a dream instead of a clear memory. Why?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I believe I have dissociative amnesia. I am unable to recall memories until the age of 13. Every now and then I remember a spotty memory but it is never concrete and when I do remember something, in my mind it seems like a dream instead of a clear memory. What could I do with this?

Answered by Dr. Vandana Patidar

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vandana Patidar is a compassionate psychiatrist and psychotherapist dedicated to promoting mental health and emotional well-being. She provides patient-centered care for conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress, sleep disorders, and relationship concerns. With expertise in psychotherapy and counseling, Dr. Patidar combines evidence-based approaches with empathetic guidance to help individuals build resilience and achieve balance in their lives.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Memory is the most surprising thing. You remember some events so vividly while others wash out as if they never happened. The retention of things depends on our concentration and attention at that particular time, and the wish to remember it. We all forget most of our childhood memories only a few remain fresh in our conscious. Again individual variations present, but one thing I can tell you this forgetfulness is unlikely to be dissociative amnesia. Dissociative amnesia is usually followed by a stressful, traumatic event in which our mind subconsciously want to avoid. In the absence of stressor, it often does not occur. So if you have some really bad childhood memories, you may have dissociative amnesia. A detailed assessment of yours would be required for dealing with it and appropriate treatment requires some therapy sessions. Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Nithila. A
Published At June 7, 2019
Reviewed At July 16, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vandana Patidar is a compassionate psychiatrist and psychotherapist dedicated to promoting mental health and emotional well-being. She provides patient-centered care for conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress, sleep disorders, and relationship concerns. With expertise in psychotherapy and counseling, Dr. Patidar combines evidence-based approaches with empathetic guidance to help individuals build resilience and achieve balance in their lives.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Nithila A is a Dental Surgeon specializing in providing comprehensive oral healthcare. She focuses on preventive care, routine dental treatments, and patient education to maintain optimal oral health. Known for her compassionate and patient-centered approach, she ensures comfortable and effective dental care tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vandana Patidar is a compassionate psychiatrist and psychotherapist dedicated to promoting mental health and emotional well-being. She provides patient-centered care for conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress, sleep disorders, and relationship concerns. With expertise in psychotherapy and counseling, Dr. Patidar combines evidence-based approaches with empathetic guidance to help individuals build resilience and achieve balance in their lives.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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