Dissociative Identity Disorder

Dissociative Identity Disorder
Specialty	Psychiatry
Symptoms	Presence of two or more distinct personality states
Complications	Depression, anxiety, self-harm, substance abuse
Usual onset	Childhood
Duration	Long-term
Causes	Childhood trauma, abuse
Diagnostic method	Clinical evaluation
Treatment	Psychotherapy, medication
Frequency	Rare

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder, is a complex psychological condition characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities within a single individual. These distinct identities may have their own names, ages, histories, and characteristics. DID is classified as a dissociative disorder and is often associated with severe trauma during early childhood, usually extreme, repetitive physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.

Signs and Symptoms

Individuals with DID may experience:

• Two or more distinct identities or personality states, each with its own pattern of perceiving and interacting with the world.
• Gaps in memory for everyday events, personal information, and traumatic events that are too extensive to be explained by ordinary forgetfulness.
• Significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Causes

The exact cause of DID is not fully understood, but it is widely believed to be a psychological response to extreme stress and trauma, particularly during childhood. The disorder is thought to develop as a coping mechanism, where the individual dissociates themselves from a situation or experience that is too violent, traumatic, or painful to assimilate with their conscious self.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing DID can be challenging due to its complex nature and the overlap of symptoms with other mental health disorders. Diagnosis is typically made through a comprehensive clinical evaluation, including:

• Detailed interviews with the patient and, if possible, family members or close friends.
• Psychological testing and assessment.
• Consideration of the individual's history of trauma and dissociation.

Treatment

Treatment for DID often involves long-term psychotherapy with the goal of integrating the separate identities into one primary identity. Common therapeutic approaches include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

Medication may be prescribed to address co-occurring symptoms such as depression and anxiety, but there is no specific medication for DID itself.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with DID varies. With appropriate treatment, many individuals can achieve significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life. However, the process can be lengthy and challenging, requiring a strong therapeutic alliance and a supportive environment.

Epidemiology

DID is considered a rare disorder, though its prevalence is difficult to determine due to underreporting and misdiagnosis. It is more commonly diagnosed in women than in men.

See Also

• Dissociative disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Borderline personality disorder

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
• Ross, C. A. (1997). Dissociative Identity Disorder: Diagnosis, Clinical Features, and Treatment of Multiple Personality. New York: Wiley.

External Links

• National Alliance on Mental Illness - Dissociative Disorders
• Psychology Today - Dissociative Identity Disorder