This paper explores 3 references. A website about Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), a book about this disorder and a couple of people who suffer from it, and a magazine article about one person that has experienced DID. This research discusses what DID is, it symptoms, what cause it, and two people that had/have this disorder.
Dissociative Identity Disorder and Symptoms
Dissociative Identity Disorder, previously called multiple personality disorder, is a severe form of separation. It is the most dramatic, least common, and most controversial dissociative disorder (King, 2012, p.569). Individuals that suffer from this disorder have more than one distinct personality, or identity. One of the identities is dominant, each identity takes over at different times. One identity may or may not be aware of the other, if someone has more than two, the identities may be aware of only certain others or none at all. If a situation is thought to be too violent, traumatic, or painful to assimilate with their main personality, the person with dissociate themselves and switch to another identity.
Each personality has its own memories, relationships, and behaviors.Usually memories do not transfer across identities, therefore the individual has amnesia and can not explain things that their other identity did. People may find themselves doing things they do not normally do, but they can not stop themselves from doing it, they believe they have no choice. The switch between
Dissociative Identity Disorder, previously referred to as Multiple Personality Disorder, is a psychological illness that has raised a lot of controversy and led researchers to question its validity. This disorder has been recorded as early as the 1800’s, but has recently been given more attention to by clinical researchers because of its diagnosis rates. The brain is a very complex organ and certain traumas can lead to the occurrence of this illness. Dissociative identity disorder is an illness in which individuals develop two or more very different personality states. In this paper, I will explain the causes of dissociative identity disorder, outline the symptoms, and elaborate on the
Dissociative disorder is a disorder in which individuals feel detached from themselves or their surroundings and reality, experience and identity may disintegrate. Dissociative identity disorder, formerly known as multiple personality disorder, is characterized as a disorder in which up to 100 personalities or fragments of personalities coexist within one body and mind (Barlow). The client was diagnosed and given an assessment with the goal of determining the factors. In many cases, only a few characteristics are distinct, because the identities are only partially independent. DSM-5 criteria for DID include amnesia, as in dissociative amnesia. Dissociative amnesia occurs when a person blocks out certain information, usually associated with a stressful or traumatic event, leaving him or her unable to remember important personal information. With this disorder, the degree of memory loss goes beyond normal forgetfulness and includes gaps in memory for long periods of time or of memories involving the traumatic event. In DID, however, identity has also fragmented. How many personalities live inside one body is relatively unimportant, whether there are 3, 4, or even 100 of them. Through a process of discovery, the client's history finally revealed that the impotence was actually a result of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) caused by a past experience. People with PTSD fear re-experiencing a traumatic event and sometimes are unable to remember certain aspects (Barlow 138). However, through psychoanalytic therapy, this client illustrates a successful
In chapter 15 of Exploring Psychology, the author discuss the basics of psychological disorders. Within this assignment, the psychological disorder of my choosing is Dissociative Identity Disorder. The commonality of the disorder is rare. Although we’ve disassociated ourselves in some form or the other with our ability to daydream, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is more severe and is usually linked to trauma. Formerly the disorder was known as Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD). Individuals who suffer from this disorder usually have more than one aspect of themselves or personalities, whom he or she is completely unaware of. Sufferers of the disorder have to deal with a variety of symptoms such as memory loss, depression, anxiety, hallucinations, black-outs, impulsiveness, and perception of being detached from the self. The severity of the trauma is usually extreme, repetitive, and long-term. The individual may have an extensive history of physical, emotional, and/or sexual abuse.
Each identity has unique characteristics whether or not the personalities are aware of each other. The Mayo Clinic’s article states, “Each identity may have a unique name, personal history and characteristics, including obvious differences in voice, gender, mannerisms and even such physical qualities as the need for eyeglasses” (Mayo Clinic Staff). People with dissociative identity disorder may experience amnesia from time to time. The Cleveland Clinic’s article states, “The person may experience amnesia when an alter takes control over the person’s behavior” (“Dissociative Identity Disorder”). In certain instances, patients with DID may actually benefit from their disorder. The Cleveland Clinic’s article states, “In some cases, the person with DID may benefit from a particular alter (for example, a shy person may use a more assertive alter to negotiate a contract)” (“Dissociative Identity Disorder”). Though, in most cases, people suffering from dissociative identity disorder will have problems and added chaos in their lives due to their disorder. The Cleveland Clinic’s article also states, “More often DID creates a chaotic life and problems in personal and work relationships. For example, a woman with DID may repeatedly meet people who seem to know her but whom she does not recognize or remember ever meeting. Or she may find items around the home that she does not remember buying” (“Dissociative Identity Disorder”).
Dissociative identity disorder is called a multiple personality disorder up until 1994 when they changed the name to give us a better understanding of the condition. Some people believe that patients with DID can become easily hypnotized and their symptoms are iatrogenic, "meaning they have arisen in response to therapists' suggestions. Brain imaging studies, however, have corroborated identity transitions in some patients." Usually a primary identity will carry the individual's name and is passive, dependent, guilty, and depressed. When an
Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a mysterious condition that is misunderstood in its way of presentation in a patient. In this research article, there will be in depth analysis of the mental health condition that is so publicly recognized by Hollywood, but often ignored by medical professionals. There will also be an analysis of demographics, and who is affected more; males or females. There will also be a review of what factors predispose individuals to DID, and how it is diagnosed. There will also be information about how the disorder is treated, which includes therapy and medication. The usual signs and symptoms as well as medical and surgical interventions will be discussed. Lastly, this paper will review complications,
Dissociative Identity Disorder, commonly referred to as Multiple Personality Disorder, has been one of the more controversial diagnoses in psychology and psychiatry. On one side of the debate, many psychologists and psychiatrists believe the disorder to be an actual phenomenon that occurs in individuals that have suffered through some traumatic experience. On the other side of the debate, however, are the many psychologists and psychiatrists that believe the disorder is simply the result of a therapist’s suggestion and guidance. The present paper, therefore, aims to look into this debate. In particular, the paper discusses the criteria in which one is diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder, explores the history of the disorder, and presents both sides of the controversy of the disorder.
As we talked about dissociative identity disorder in the lecture, it really interested me and I wanted to learn more about it. Dissociated identity disorder is when a person has two or more distinct identities, or personality states, that take control of them. The individual experiences extensive memory loss, that is too great to be classified as ordinary forgetfulness. Sometimes it is even said to be an experience of possession. This disorder can be developed as a coping mechanism from extreme trauma or abuse at an early age.
Dissociative identity disorder is a type of dissociative disorder. A dissociative disorder can be explained as an individual becoming dissociative with his or her sense of self. These disorders disturb both memory and identity and usually have a psychological cause. Dissociative identity disorder is a disorder in which two or more identities or personality states are present in one individual. These identities alternatively take control of the individual. This causes frequent gaps in memory, which are believed to be caused by the other personality. When one personality takes control, the other one does not remember anything that took place. There has been continuing research about what causes the disorder. It is believed that the disorder is caused by intense physical or sexual trauma (Dissociative Disorders). The disorder was once called multiple personality disorder until 1994. This changed to reflect a better understanding of the
Dissociative identity disorder is defined as an personality disorder where an individual experiences depersonalization due to the presence of two or more distinct personalities. Steven Jay Lynn, an author of Dissociation and Dissociative Disorders: Challenging Conventional Wisdom, identifies dissociation as a coping mechanism used by individuals who experience exposure to an intense stressor or trigger. According to the The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), an individual who is diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder may suffer from abrupt changes in behaviour, consciousness, memory, perception, cognition, and sensory-motor functioning. These symptoms and signs are usually observed by the individual,
The act of disassociating is undoubtedly common in our society today; especially in the people who have endured a strikingly traumatic experience. Dissociation can most definitely change a person 's outlook on life, sometimes even leading to Dissociative Identity Disorder. Even though Dissociative Identity Disorder has a place in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the legitimacy of the psychiatric disorder is still a very much a controversial issue. In these two articles, “Multiple Personality -- Is It Mental Disorder, Myth, or Metaphor?” published in the Huffington Post website by Frances(2014) and Dimensions of “Multiple Personality Disorder” by Murray(1994) published by the ProQuest Central, they display two different perspectives on Dissociative Identity Disorder. Although they bear some minor similarities, the differences between the popular and the scholarly article are apparent.
Imagine consistently applying a mask to your face each day. Now, picture yourself abruptly ripping off the mask only to put on another one a few minutes later. Each one is completely different and makes you feel like an entirely new person. The different masks represent separate personalities. This is the way individuals with Dissociative Identity Disorder, more commonly known as “Multiple Personality Disorder,” feel as they tackle each day.
This research paper aims to explore the mental disease known as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously known as multiple personality disorder. I explore the meaning, symptoms, and effects of DID. My research describes those diagnosed with DID and the probable reasons of why they have the disorder. This study also explains the many different treatments and the effects those treatments might have on a person that has the disorder. I include a research study done on someone diagnosed with DID, the method used to help treat her, and the results of her treatment. Lastly, I state my opinion on DID and the methods I believe with help people prevent, treat, and cope with
Imagine waking up in a new house, town, city, even state and not knowing how you got there. Now add onto that thought of forgetting almost a year of your life because someone else, or something, has taken over your body. That is just a look into dissociative disorders in general. Dissociative Disorders are ‘extreme distortions in perception and memory” (Terwilliger 2013). Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), or previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder, is often the most misunderstood dissociative disorder of them all. It has always been somewhat of a mystery. Seeing videos of the disorder can really give you an insight on what happens with the person who suffer from it. Almost everyone in the
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, Fifth Edition (DSM 5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013) describes dissociative identity disorder (DID) is the presence of two or more personality states or an experience of possession and recurrent episodes of amnesia; often counseling professionals refer to these personalities as alters. The harmful effects of childhood abusive experiences on growth and development have been well documented and are associated with dissociative identity disorder. Although the diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder is not usually made until adulthood, long after the problem has taken a toll on the person. Therefore, the most common cause of the disorder is agreed to be early, ongoing, extremely