Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a mental illness characterized by having two or more distinct personalities that regulate your behavior at different times. You will experience memory gaps when your personalities switch. Trauma is typically the cause of the identities. Psychotherapy can help you manage your symptoms.
Dissociative identity disorder
Dissociative identity disorder (DID), formerly called multiple personality disorder, is a multifaceted psychological disorder. These include severe early-life trauma (typically severe, persistent abuse—physical, sexual, or emotional). A different name for it is split personality disorder.
Dissociation is a mental process that results in a loss of connection in your memories, thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and sense of self. DID is a severe form of dissociation. It is believed that the dissociative feature is a coping technique whereby you figuratively cut yourself off from an event or circumstance that is too violent, traumatic, or agonizing for you to integrate into your conscious self. A person with DID has two or more distinct identities, referred to as “alters.” They manipulate your actions in different ways.
Types of DID
DID comes in two types (or forms):
- Possession: Identities appear as though a spirit or external entity has taken over your physical form. It’s possible that people will notice a difference in the way you speak or behave. The personality transformation is unintentional, and it’s an unwelcome identity.
- No possession: People’s identities are less well-known. Your sense of who you are may abruptly shift, leaving you feeling as though you’re watching yourself in a movie (a “out-of-body” experience) rather than having control over your thoughts, feelings, or actions.
It’s crucial to remember that while many cultures and faiths throughout the world hold the idea in possession, DID has nothing to do with these voluntary spiritual activities.
Signs and symptoms
Although alternate identities, or personality states, are the main indicator of DID, there are other symptoms as well. Similar to other mental health disorders, not every DID sufferer has the same set of symptoms or degree of severity.
Additional common DID symptoms include:
- Dissociative amnesia, which is the inability to recall details of your life or personal information
- dissociative fugue states, which are experiences in which you travel or wander without remembering what happened
- blank spaces in your memory, which include the inability to recall significant events from your childhood or adult life
- abrupt lapses in recent memories (like what you did yesterday) or skills (like writing to making coffee)
- observing oneself externally, or experiencing a sense of depersonalization; a perception of your body changing in size or form
- Feeling as though your body, thoughts, or emotions aren’t your own and you have no control over them; hazy, dreamy memories of experiences
- discernible alterations in speech, conduct, and preferences
Causes of DID
DID causes could be:
- Stressful situations.
- Abuse.
- Trauma.
Usually, these incidents take place in childhood. You can separate yourself from the trauma by using DID.
DID symptoms could start (occur quickly) after:
- Removing oneself from an unpleasant or stressful situation (such as shifting houses).
- Close family members or your kids when they get to the age where you were traumatized.
- A recent stressful or traumatic event (such as an automobile accident).
- A perpetrator dying, or a life-threatening disease.
If you have ever encountered: You may be more vulnerable to acquiring DID.
- Abuse, either sexual or physical.
- Ignorance.
- Numerous medical operations when still a youngster.
- Terrorism or warfare
Diagnosis/diagnostic criteria
There is no DID exam or quiz to determine the condition’s symptoms.
An appropriate diagnosis can only be provided by a qualified mental health practitioner. They will generally adhere to the DSM-5 criteria, which are:
- At least two distinct personality states indicate identity or sense of self alterations or disruptions. These identities may be identifiable to others by alterations in speech, attitude, or conduct.
- recurring amnesia episodes, significant memory lapses, or difficulties remembering precise information, events in life, or how to carry out duties
- ongoing emotional anguish associated with these manifestations
Mental health practitioners will rule out other physical and mental health issues, such as substance abuse, seizure disorders, and psychosis, before diagnosing DID.
DID diagnoses can be made for both adults and children? Nevertheless, before diagnosing the illness in kids, mental health providers would rule out imaginary pals and other developmentally normal imagination play.
DID symptoms can be extremely upsetting and difficult to deal with on a daily basis.
The majority of DID candidates, though not all of them, frequently experience other mental health issues or trauma and distress symptoms, such as:
- depression
- anxiety
- problems related to substance usage
- condition resulting from extreme stress
- Compulsive-obsessive behavior
- sleep issues
- personality disorders
- eating disorders
- suicidal ideas
- a background of self-harm
Some mental health specialists have questioned the existence of DID, and not all of them are aware of its symptoms. This implies that many DID sufferers go years without a proper diagnosis due to the disease. However, the DSM-5, the most widely used diagnostic tool for mental health disorders, recognizes DID as a formal and acknowledged diagnosis.
Treatment for DID
DID treatment entails:
- drugs to treat symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
- Dialectical behavioral therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy.
Making ensuring you’re safe is always the first step in treatment. A medical professional with specific skills in treating mental health issues can direct you toward the best course of action. The goal of treatment is to fulfill your unique demands.
Dissociative identity disorder therapy
The goals of DID therapy are:
- Recognizing and resolving prior trauma.
- Handling unexpected shifts in behavior.
- Combining disparate identities to form one.
- Family, group, or individual therapy can be helpful for you.
Engaging in therapy might be difficult. You’ll have to process things that make you feel strongly. You may feel terrified, helpless, anxious, and alone as a result of them. You’re not alone, though. You have the support and assistance of your therapist and loved ones while you work through DID treatment.
Difficulties
Dissociative disorder raises the possibility of problems and other mental health issues. These could consist of:
- Anxiety and depression.
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
- Sleep disorders include sleepwalking, insomnia, and nightmares.
- Physical signs that are not related to epilepsy, such as dizziness or convulsions.
- Eating problems.
- Issues related to sexual function.
- Issues related to drug and alcohol abuse.
- Diseases of personality.
- Significant issues in the workplace, in relationships, and in education.
- Self-harm or actions involving considerable danger.
- Suicide ideas and actions.
Prevention
Children who experience sexual, emotional, or physical abuse are more likely to experience mental health issues such dissociative disorders. Seek assistance if your child’s behavior is being negatively impacted by stress or other personal concerns.
- Speak with a reliable individual, such as a friend, a member of your medical team, or a prominent figure in your religious group.
- Seek assistance in locating options like family therapists and parental support groups.
- Seek out parenting classes offered by churches, other faith-based organizations, and community education initiatives. These classes may teach you how to parent in a better way.
See a doctor or other health care provider as soon as possible if you or your kid experienced abuse or any other traumatic, upsetting, or unpleasant incident.
