Dissociative Experiences Scale, Brief (DES-B)

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The Dissociative Experiences Scale – Brief (DES-B) is an 8-item self-report measure designed to assess dissociative experiences—such as depersonalization, derealization, amnesia, and identity confusion. It is a short-form version of the original 28-item Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), developed to allow routine screening for dissociation in clinical settings.

The DES-B is especially useful for identifying dissociative symptoms that often co-occur with trauma, PTSD, complex PTSD, and personality disorders, and for distinguishing dissociation from other psychological symptoms.

Recommended Frequency: Every 3–6 months, or when dissociation is suspected or monitored over time

About the DES-B

The DES-B was adapted from the original DES by Dr. Bethany Brand and colleagues. It captures the core aspects of dissociative phenomena while reducing respondent burden and improving accessibility in high-throughput environments like outpatient mental health clinics.

The DES-B assesses frequency of dissociative symptoms, including:

  • Depersonalization (feeling detached from one’s body)
  • Derealization (feeling the world is unreal)
  • Time loss or memory gaps
  • Disruptions in identity or sense of agency

It is validated for use in adolescent and adult populations, and has strong psychometric support as a screening instrument for dissociation and dissociative disorders.

Who is the DES-B For?

The DES-B is intended for clients aged 13 and older who are:

  • Presenting with trauma-related symptoms
  • Reporting frequent blank spells, disorientation, or identity confusion
  • Undergoing treatment for PTSD, CPTSD, borderline personality disorder, or complex trauma
  • Being monitored for dissociative symptoms over time

Use the checklist below to evaluate fit:

  • Is the client reporting memory gaps, time loss, or disconnection from self or surroundings?
  • Is dissociation suspected as part of the clinical presentation?
  • Are trauma-related symptoms not fully explained by anxiety, depression, or psychosis alone?

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Note: The DES-B is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. Elevated scores suggest dissociation that may warrant further assessment or adaptation of treatment approach.

The Scale

The DES-B contains 8 items, each rated on a scale from 0% to 100% in increments of 10%, reflecting how often the client experiences a dissociative symptom:

“Please indicate what percentage of the time this happens to you (0% = never, 100% = always).”

Examples of items include:

  • “I find myself in a place and don’t remember how I got there.”
  • “I feel disconnected from my body or as if I am observing myself from outside my body.”
  • “I am not sure whether things I remember really happened or if I just dreamed them.”

Scoring the DES-B

Scoring is calculated by averaging the percentages across all 8 items:

  • Total Score = (Sum of item scores) ÷ 8

Score Range

  • 0–10% No to minimal dissociative experiences
  • 11–29% Mild to moderate dissociation
  • 30–49% Clinically significant dissociation
  • 50%+ High likelihood of dissociative disorder

HiBoop flags scores above 30% for clinical follow-up and recommends a review of trauma history and current coping mechanisms. Any score above 50% should prompt consideration of dissociative disorders and may warrant structured diagnostic tools like the SCID-D-R.

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TIP FOR PRACTICE

Clients with high DES-B scores may disconnect during sessions or have difficulty recalling past events accurately. Use grounding techniques, pacing, and trauma-informed principles when interpreting results and shaping treatment.

The DES-B in Practice

Common uses for the DES-B include:

  • Initial trauma assessment, especially where dissociation may interfere with symptom tracking or therapeutic engagement
  • Monitoring during EMDR, somatic, or phase-based trauma treatments
  • Differentiating dissociation from psychosis, anxiety, or cognitive impairment

HiBoop allows longitudinal tracking of dissociation patterns and can trigger adaptive recommendations for trauma-informed care practices if elevated scores persist.

Copyright

Developed by Bethany Brand, PhD, and colleagues. The DES-B is public domain for clinical and research use.

References

  • Brand, B. L., Lanius, R. A., Loewenstein, R. J., & McCarthy, K. (2012). Evaluation of the Brief Dissociative Experiences Scale: Psychometrics and clinical utility in psychiatric populations. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 4(3), 345–352.
  • Bernstein, E. M., & Putnam, F. W. (1986). Development, reliability, and validity of a dissociation scale. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 174(12), 727–735.

Disclaimer

The DES-B is a validated screening tool for dissociative symptoms. It is not a diagnostic test and should be used to inform further assessment, treatment adaptations, and case conceptualization.

Permissions

The DES-B is in the public domain and can be fully integrated into HiBoop. It may be scored digitally, and attribution to the authors should be included.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What’s the difference between the DES-B and full DES?

    The DES-B is shorter and easier to integrate into clinical workflows. The full DES offers more granularity for research or detailed assessment.

  • How long does it take to complete?

    About 2–3 minutes, depending on the client’s reading comprehension and symptom awareness.

  • Is it suitable for teens?

    Yes. The DES-B has been validated for adolescents aged 13+, especially in trauma-informed care contexts.

  • Can the DES-B diagnose dissociative disorders?

    No. It indicates possible dissociation that should be explored further using structured clinical interviews and clinical judgment.