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?
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.
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.