Part I:
Discuss the difference between dissociative amnesia and dissociative fugue.
Part II:
Read the following scenario and then answer the following questions: Do you believe that Mr. X is really suffering from dissociative fugue? How could that be determined? What other explanation could be given? Please support your arguments with facts from the case, as well as knowledge regarding dissociative fugues.
The following case was reported in a number of newspapers. A well-known deacon in a large Protestant church was reported missing by his wife. He had five children and was struggling to maintain his small business that was suffering because of an economic recession. He was very dependable and seemed to be able to overcome most obstacles quietly and without relying on others. After a week, Mr. X's boat was found floating in a lake near his hometown. His car was on the shore, and his ID and credit cards were in the glove compartment. The assumption was made that Mr. X had gone fishing, had a boating accident and drowned. His wife and children continued to live in the same city and nothing more was heard for several years.
Three years later, a gentleman from the church that Mr. X had attended was visiting a large city in another state. As he was walking down the sidewalk, he recognized Mr. X walking toward him. With Mr. X were a young, beautiful wife and a small baby. The gentleman from Mr. X's original hometown ran up to Mr. X and embraced him. Mr. X denied that he knew the gentleman and explained that the gentleman must be mistaken about his identity. The man with the young bride and baby was indeed Mr. X.