Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality)

Diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder (DID) accounts for an estimated 1% of the general population and up to 20% of inpatient and outpatient psychiatric populations (Brand & Loewenstein, 2010). DID can also be triggered and manifested in individuals which is why trauma is especially prevalent in individuals diagnosed with DID; about 71% have experienced childhood physical abuse and 74% sexual abuse (Foote, Smolin, Kaplan, Legatt, & Lipschitz, 2006). Due to trauma being so prevalent in DID many individuals with dissociative disorders suffer from a multitude of psychiatric issues that may include

Multiple Personality Disorders (MPD), or what has been re-classified, Dissociative Idenitfy Disorder (DID), is a deliberating and frightening illness for the DID individual; as well as their friends and family. The meaning of DID (Dissoiative Idenity Disorder) usually means that a person has more than two self-states or identities, which often times appear like entirely different personalities. When one is under the control of one identity, the person usually is unable to remember some of the events, but is able to keep other personalities in control.

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”).

We’ve all experienced the feeling that we’ve moved into a different life, dissociation from reality, just mild like when we daydream, delve into a good book or become engrossed with a project. But then after that, we do still come back to reality. However, some people are diagnosed with a dissociative identity disorder or the popular multiple personality disorder (MPD). This differ from mild dissociation that all of us commonly experience. People who have this live a fairly complicated life. Sadly, people who have this experience traumatic physical, sexual or emotional abuse during their childhood.

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a condition where there are two or more distinct identities that are and will become present in an individual. These personalities can and will eventually take control of the individual, many people consider having dissociative identity disorder an experience of being possessed. The individual can and most likely will experience memory loss that is more extensive than ordinary everyday forgetfulness (Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder). Around two percent of people will experience dissociative disorder, women are more likely than men are to be diagnosed with DID. "Almost half of adults in the United States experience at least one depersonalization/derealization episode in their lives, with only 2% meeting the full criteria for chronic episodes” (Dissociative Disorders).

Dissociative identity disorder was formerly known as multiple personality disorder (MPD). DID was and is a very controversial disorder. Researchers argue whether or not the disorder is really validated because there are not fact stating tests revolving around the disorder. There are several similarities between dissociative identity disorder and borderline personality disorder, which is why some researchers had denied the existence of DID. (Gillig, 2009). Researches now realize that DID is on the same spectrum as borderline line personality disorder, but the symptoms are more severe. Symptoms of DID that coincide with borderline personality disorder include insomnia, sexual dysfunction, anger, thoughts of suicide, self-harm, drug and alcohol abuse, anxiety, paranoia, somatization, dissociation, mood altercations and changes in relationships and the loss of ties. (Gillig, 2009).

Dissociative identity disorder is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personalities. Each may have a unique name, personal history, and characteristics. The behavioral aspects are: impulsivity, self-destructive behavior, or self-harm Mood: anxiety, feeling detached from self, or mood swings. The psychological aspects consist of: altered consciousness, depression, or flashbacks. Also common: amnesia or blackout. The only treatment is talk therapy. The therapies are: cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, psychotherapy. Dissociative Identity Disorder is often confused with Schizophrenia, but they are very different. Schizophrenia is a violent mental illness involving chronic psychosis, made distinctive mainly by hearing or seeing hallucinations and thinking

Mental disorders are common in many people, all over the world, and affect all ages. It is characterized as “psychological symptoms or behavioral patterns that reflect an underlying psychobiological dysfunction, are associated with distress or disability, and are not merely an expectable response to common stressors or losses.” (Sue et al., 2014). Mental illness becomes prevalent because of many factors and interactions within the individual. Looking into one specific group of disorders, dissociative disorders, a person has a separation of their consciousness, memory, or identity. One particular dissociative disorder, dissociation identity disorder, will be discussed in this paper. There will be a general overview of dissociation identity disorder,

Dissociative Identity Disorder, popularly known as multiple personality disorder, is the most talked about disorder and also the most controversial diagnosis that evokes myriads of responses. It is a very severe mental health condition that originates in early childhood because of severe trauma that a child experiences. This eventually creates two or more distinct personas used as a defense mechanism against that trauma (Barreda-Hanson, n.d.). Some people characterize it as someone being possessed because it is unwanted and involuntary (APA, 2013). The involuntary personalities develop separately and later on in adulthood help deal with stress by calming the main personality (Cherry, 2005). People with

It is estimated that up to two percent of the general population experiences dissociative disorders (NAMI). Dissociative disorders are characterized by a disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness and memory (NAMI). Dissociative disorders are not discriminative; people from all races and socioeconomic backgrounds can suffer from one. The symptoms of this disease usually develop as a way to deal with a traumatic event and can be worsened during stressful situations. Although, the symptoms one may experience can differ based upon which dissociative disorder they have. Treatment for dissociative disorders often involves psychotherapy and medication. Though finding an effective treatment plan can be difficult, many people can live

The DSM-5 defines dissociative identity disorder (DID) as the occurrence of a minimum of two different personalities and maybe more than two. It also clarifies that the switching between the distinct personalities can be observed by the individual who is suffering from dissociative identity disorder or witnessed by others. (Barlow, 2014, P. 1). This disorder used to be known as multiple personality disorder, which is more recognized and understood to people without a psychology background. This disorder can be quite intense to including the different identities have different names, backgrounds, and memories. Dissociative identity disorder is fairly common in clinical residents.

The cause of dissociative identity disorder is thought to be due to a severe emotional trauma during a time of early development in childhood. These traumatic events can be anything from the loss of a parent to sexual abuse to a war or natural disaster. Any

Though it is commonly unheard of, Dissociative Identity Disorder is not as rare as one would assume. Researchers argue the prevalence rate for DID is nearly the same as for Schizophrenia. With about 10% of the population suffering from this disorder only as few as 1% of them are actually diagnosed (Forner, 2009). The lack of biological and physical evidence supporting Dissociative Identity Disorder has left psychologist to rely on intense concentration and clinical skills to comprehend the origins of the disorder. Though each individual diagnosis of DID is completely unique to the person, psychological professionals have found reoccurring themes amongst patients. The central

Dissociation is defined by The Oxford American Dictionary and Thesaurus as a, “disconnect or separate.” (Waite, Lindberg, Braham, & Jewell, 2010, p. 230) We know from the DSM-5 that a person who has DID has at least two different and distinct personalities. These personalities, often known as “alters” control the person and different times, some have described it as possession like. The disorder must also cause problems to the individual in the form of personal stress about the symptoms and cause disruptions in the occupational, social or other important areas of one’s life. Dissociative Identity Disorder is usually associated with traumatic childhood events. According to the article, Survivors with Dissociative Identity Disorder: Perspectives

Dissociative Identity Disorder, commonly referred to as Multiple Personality Disorder, exists as a bizarre mental disorder in which a person acquires two