Disassociative Identity Disorder

Dissociative Identity Disorder

The essential feature of the Dissociative Disorders is a disruption in the usually integrated functions of consciousness, memory, identity, or perception of the environment.

Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly Multiple Personality Disorder) is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states that recurrently take control of the individual's behavior accompanied by an inability to recall important personal information that is too extensive to be explained by ordinary forgetfulness.

Features

The essential features of Dissociative Identity Disorder are :

1.     the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states

2.     that recurrently take control of behaviour

3.     There is an inability to recall important personal information, the extent of which is too great to be explained by ordinary forgetfulness

4.     In children, the symptoms cannot be attributed to imaginary playmates or other fantasy play

Dissociative Identity Disorder reflects a failure to integrate various aspects of identity, memory, and consciousness. Each personality state may be experienced as if it has a distinct personal history, self-image, and identity, including a separate name.

Symptoms

Symptoms of dissociative identity disorder may include headache, amnesia, time loss, trances, and "out of body experiences." Dissociative disorders usually develop as a way of dealing with trauma.

Some people with dissociative disorders have a tendency toward self-persecution, self-sabotage, and even violence. Someone with dissociative identity disorder may find themselves doing things they wouldn't normally do. They truly believe they have no choice.

Causes

Why some people develop DID is not entirely understood, but they frequently report having experienced severe physical and sexual abuse during childhood.

The disorder may first manifest at any age. Individuals with DID may have post-traumatic symptoms (nightmares, flashbacks, or startle responses) orpost-traumatic stress disorder.
Once a rarely reported disorder, the diagnosis has grown more common—and controversial. Some experts contend that because DID patients are highly suggestible, their symptoms are at least partly iatrogenic—that is, prompted by their therapists' probing. Brain imaging studies, however, have corroborated identity transitions.

Treatment

The primary treatment for DID is long-term psychotherapy with the goal of deconstructing the different personalities and integrating them into one. Other treatments include cognitive and creative therapies. Although there are no medications that specifically treat this disorder, antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, or tranquilizers may be prescribed to help control the psychological symptoms associated with it. With proper treatment, many people who are impaired by DID experience improvement in their ability to function in their work and personal lives.