Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder, is a complex mental health condition characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identity states or personality fragments within an individual.
One psychiatric illness is dissociative identity disorder or DID. Having two or more distinct identities is a sign that you have DID. You behave differently depending on which of these personalities is in charge. Every identity has unique qualities, preferences, and past experiences. Phobias caused by dissociative identity disorder (DID) can result in memory lapses and hallucinations.
These identity states, often referred to as “alters,” may have unique ways of perceiving and interacting with the world, as well as distinct memories, behaviors, and even physiological responses.
Symptoms and Features of Dissociative Identity Disorder:
A person suffering from DID possesses multiple unique identities. The person you typically are is your “core” identity. Your different personas are called “Alters.” Some DID sufferers have as many as 100 alter egos.
Alters are typically highly distinctive from one another. Gender, ethnicity, interests, and modes of interaction with their surroundings may differ among the identities.
Additional typical DID symptoms and indicators include:
- Distinct Identity States (Alters):
- Each identity state has its way of thinking, feeling, and relating to the world.
- Transitions between identity states are often accompanied by memory gaps, referred to as dissociative amnesia.
- Dissociative Amnesia:
- Gaps in memory that are more extensive than ordinary forgetfulness.
- May not recall personal information, events, or people.
- Identity Disturbances:
- Alters may have different names, ages, genders, and even distinct physical characteristics.
- Personalities may vary in skills, preferences, and behaviors.
- Depersonalization and Derealization:
- Feelings of detachment from oneself (depersonalization) or from the surrounding environment (derealization).
- Recurrent Gaps in Recollection:
- Inability to recall everyday events, personal information, or traumatic experiences.
- Presence of Triggers:
- Certain situations, stressors, or stimuli may trigger switches between identity states.
Diagnoses and Tests for DID
A single test is not available to diagnose DID. Your symptoms and personal medical history will be reviewed by a healthcare professional. To rule out underlying medical conditions such as brain tumors or head injuries as the source of your symptoms, they might run testing.
Between the ages of five and ten, DID symptoms typically first appear in children. But the symptoms could go unnoticed by parents, educators, or medical professionals. DID and other prevalent childhood behavioral or learning disorders, like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), may be mistaken. DID is therefore typically not diagnosed until maturity.
Reasons for Difficulties in Diagnosis
Dissociation may be accompanied by signs of various mental health issues. Your doctor might only identify these issues without realizing that you also have a dissociative disorder if they are more experienced with these mental health issues.
Mental health practitioners frequently lack sufficient knowledge about dissociative disorders. When evaluating your mental health, they might not even consider the potential of a dissociative illness. This implies that it’s possible they won’t probe you appropriately regarding your problems.
Having a better understanding of your past can aid mental health providers in diagnosing you. However, during an examination, they don’t always inquire about trauma or abuse in childhood. If you suffer from amnesia, you might not recall asking them even if they do.
On the other hand, you might find it difficult to discuss.
When dealing with dissociative symptoms, some persons attempt to hide them from other people. It could be challenging to discuss your experiences honestly.
Causes and Risk Factors:
The most common cause of DID is childhood sexual or physical abuse. It can occasionally arise as a reaction to a natural disaster or other traumatic incidents, such as fighting. The disease is an attempt to separate oneself from the experience.
- Trauma and Abuse:
- Many individuals with DID have a history of severe childhood trauma, often involving physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
- Adaptive Response to Trauma:
- The development of distinct identities may be a coping mechanism to deal with overwhelming stress and trauma during childhood.
- Biological Factors:
- Some research suggests that there may be neurobiological factors that contribute to the development of dissociation.
Managing DID patient
These are some coping mechanisms that some people find useful when living with DID:
- Find out more about DID, including its definition, history, and relevance to your personal experiences.
- Discovering stress-reduction and self-care strategies that suit you.
- Acquiring other skills for coping with stress, such as grounding.
- Testing various time-management and organizing techniques, such as correcting for memory issues or connecting with Alters. For instance, using an app or journal to record obligations, appointments, and prescriptions.
- Making preparations for potential emergencies, such as drafting a safety plan including emergency contact information.
- Establishing connections with DID sufferers via social media, internet forums, and support organizations.
Treatment:
- Psychotherapy:
- Integration Therapy: Aims to merge distinct identity states into a cohesive and functioning personality.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and challenging dysfunctional thought patterns and behaviors.
- Medication:
- No specific medication is designed to treat DID directly, but medications may be prescribed to address associated symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or sleep disturbances.
- Supportive Care:
- Establishing a supportive therapeutic relationship is crucial for individuals with DID.
Is it possible to avoid dissociative identity disorder (DID)?
It is impossible to stop DID. However, recognizing the warning signals as soon as possible and getting medical attention might help you control your symptoms. Educators, parents, and caregivers should be aware of the symptoms in young children. Getting treatment quickly after experiencing trauma or abuse can stop DID from getting worse.
The identification of triggers for identity or personality changes might also be aided by treatment. Substance misuse and stress are common triggers. Reducing the frequency of various changes influencing your behavior may be possible by limiting your stress and abstaining from drugs and alcohol.
Challenges and Controversies:
- Stigma: DID has faced skepticism and controversy, with some professionals questioning its validity.
- Misdiagnosis: The condition may be misdiagnosed or misunderstood, leading to inappropriate treatment approaches.
The treatment of DID requires a multidimensional and individualized approach, often involving long-term therapy to address trauma and integrate identity states. Individuals with DID need to work with mental health professionals who specialize in trauma and dissociative disorders.