Fugue is far more often a uniquely dissociative phenomenon, but occasionally occurs in other conditions. Psychiatrists and neurologists can usually separate neurologically mediated fugue states from the more prolonged wanderings of a person in dissociative fugue. However, persons in a fugue state may function remarkably normally until questioning reveals confusion about their identity. Other than identity confusion, their orientation and global mental functioning may be entirely intact. In contrast, individuals with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia often wander, but because of their generalized intellectual deficits, this wandering is classified as part of their dementia, not as fugue.
Persons experiencing depersonalization feel as if they are living in a dream or even a film.
They may feel as if they are watching themselves from a vantage point outside their own bodies. Many individuals who describe panic attacks describe depersonalization as part of these. Dissociative phenomena can be seen as part of trance-like states that occur normally in some individuals and are commonly seen in a variety of religious and cultural observances. Dissociation is only abnormal if it is prolonged, leads to distress or social dysfunction, and has not occurred as part of culturally normative ceremonies or practices. Formerly termed Multiple Personality Disorder, DID refers to individuals who possess two or more distinct identities, at least two of which periodically take control of the individual's behavior - typically not at the same time.