Question

What is the difference between dissociative amnesia and ordinary forgetfulness?

Answer 1

In ordinary forgetfulness, one might be unable to recall certain details or tiny bits of information regarding an event, but it is unlikely that one forgets the entire event at large. On the other hand, dissociative amnesia involves an inability to recall entire time periods surrounding an event (which is usually traumatic) and leaves then individual unable to remember important personal information. These time periods can extend for a duration and this goes much beyond ordinary forgetting.