DIPS

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD), is a complex psychological condition characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities that recurrently take control of an individual's behavior, accompanied by an inability to recall personal information beyond what is expected through normal forgetfulness. The condition is classified under the Dissociative Disorders category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and is often a result of severe trauma during early childhood, usually extreme, repetitive physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The primary feature of DID is the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states, each with its own relatively enduring pattern of perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the environment and self. According to the DSM-5, diagnosis requires that at least two of these identities recurrently take control of the person's behavior, accompanied by an inability to recall important personal information. Other symptoms may include:

• Amnesia or memory gaps
• Depersonalization (feeling detached from oneself)
• Derealization (feeling as though the world is not real)
• Identity confusion or identity alteration
• Severe distress or problems in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning

Causes

The exact cause of DID is not known, but it is believed to be linked to severe trauma during early childhood. This trauma can disrupt a child's development of a cohesive sense of self, leading to the formation of distinct identities as a coping mechanism. Other factors that may contribute to the development of DID include:

• Genetic predisposition
• Environmental factors
• Neurobiological factors, such as changes in brain structure and function

Treatment

Treatment for DID typically involves psychotherapy, with the goal of integrating the separate identities into one primary identity. Other treatment methods may include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Medication, to treat co-occurring symptoms such as depression or anxiety

Prognosis

With appropriate treatment, individuals with DID can achieve a high level of functioning and quality of life. Integration of the identities into one cohesive identity is considered the optimal goal of treatment, but the process can be long and challenging.

See Also

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
• Dissociative Amnesia