A mental blackout can have various underlying causes and may be associated with different mental health conditions. It is essential to clarify that "blackout" is a broad term that can refer to different types of mental states, each with its unique characteristics and implications. Let's explore two common types of blackouts and their associations:
Dissociative blackout: A dissociative blackout is primarily associated with dissociative disorders, where a person experiences a disruption in their consciousness or memory. During a dissociative blackout, an individual may lose awareness of their surroundings or their own actions, leading to gaps in their memory. These blackouts are typically a defense mechanism that the mind employs to cope with overwhelming or traumatic experiences. Dissociative disorders may involve other dissociative symptoms, such as derealization (feeling detached from one's environment) or depersonalization (feeling detached from oneself).
Psychotic blackout: Psychotic episodes are generally associated with conditions like schizophrenia and certain mood disorders. During a psychotic blackout, a person may experience significant impairments in their perception of reality. They might have hallucinations (perceiving things that are not present) or delusions (false beliefs), which can lead to a distorted understanding of the world around them.
Regarding the second part of your question, it is important to differentiate between the two types of blackouts mentioned above.
a) Dissociative blackouts: During a dissociative blackout, a person's consciousness may become fragmented, and they may have difficulty recalling events that occurred during the blackout period. In some cases, individuals may experience a sense of "going somewhere else" in their mind or feeling disconnected from their actions or surroundings. However, this doesn't necessarily involve interacting with abstractions. Rather, it is a state of altered consciousness and detachment.
b) Psychotic blackouts: In the context of psychosis, a person may have a distorted perception of reality. They might experience hallucinations or delusions that can be compelling and vivid to them. However, during psychotic blackouts, they are not necessarily "going somewhere else" in their mind to interact with abstractions. Instead, their experience is shaped by the altered perceptions and beliefs associated with their psychosis.
In either case, it's essential for someone experiencing blackouts or related symptoms to seek professional help from a mental health provider. Proper evaluation and diagnosis are crucial for developing an appropriate treatment plan and supporting the individual's well-being.