Dissociative Disorder is characterized by an inability to recall important personal information, which is too extensive to be explained away as simple 'forgetfulness'. Some individuals may experience 'lost time' where they are unable to recall what happened to them for hours, days or even years at a time. The personal information is usually unavailable to the individual due to a traumatic episode (or episodes) such as repeated sexual abuse, rape, early childhood or adult trauma or violence.