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Abstract: About two cases of retrograde amnesia with a total loss of episodic memory several years of life, we describe a singular transfer in the past; we discuss the nosography of functional or dissociative amnesia, the nature of the blockage of retrieval processes and the occurrence of very precise memories which project the patient some years before in his past. This phenomenon has been described in transient global amnesia, especially in those occurring after a small head trauma during sport. It may also occur in dissociative amnesia; these data lead to question the classical dichotomy between organic and functional amnesias. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In dissociative amnesia (DSM-IV), also referred to as psychogenic amnesia (DSM-III), the main disturbance consists of inability to recall personal information. Identity amnesia is observed in most cases. Dissociative disorder can sometimes be explained as a coping defensive strategy in subjects confronting a stressful situation recalling a situation that occurred during childhood (case JJ). Time of lacunar amnesia in these cases can be a psychopathologic cue. Recovery is possible and can be spectacular. Contextual cue (action, place, emotion) can induce recovery of similar scenes (or all recalls) of lost time, with autonoetic awareness and sometimes even instances of ecmnesia (case FF). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]