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Introduction

The Dissociative Experiences Scale, second edition (DES-II), is a 28-item self-report screening measure covering experiences such as absorption, depersonalization, derealization, and memory gaps. Each response contributes to an average reported on a 0-100 scale.

A score above 30 is often used as a screening reference for considering a more complete assessment. It does not confirm a dissociative disorder, and a lower score does not rule one out.

Translation, culture, trauma history, current stress, and other health conditions can affect responses. Use the cited original material and a qualified professional when accuracy matters.

Instructions

This questionnaire asks about experiences that you may have in your daily life. It is interested in how often you have these experiences. It is important that your answers show how often these experiences happen to you when you are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. To answer the questions, please determine to what degree each experience described in the question applies to you, and select the number to show what percentage of the time you have experienced it (0% = Never, 100% = Always).

Question 1 / 280 answered
Some people have the experience of driving or riding in a car or bus or subway and suddenly realizing that they don’t remember what has happened during all or part of the trip. Select the number to show what percentage of the time this happens to you.

Scoring and result metrics

The result page reports a local screening score for this questionnaire. Use the score range, any subscale scores, and the interpretation band together rather than treating one number as a diagnosis.

Score range
0-100
Items scored
28
Result indicators
Total score / Interpretation band when available

Score interpretation bands

  • 0-30Lower range

    Scores of 30 and below indicate low levels of dissociation.

  • 30.01-100Elevated range

    Scores above 30 indicate high levels of dissociation.

Interpretation bands summarize screening thresholds from the questionnaire source material. Higher scores usually indicate more of the measured concern unless the tool notes a different scoring rule.

Tool information

Version
DES-II, 28-item self-report
Administration
Self-report; result is a screening reference only
Intended audience
Adults reviewing dissociative experiences such as absorption, depersonalization, derealization, and memory gaps; adolescents should use professional guidance

Sources

  1. Carlson EB, Putnam FW. An update on the Dissociative Experience Scale. Dissociation 6(1): 16-27 (1993).

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