Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder
Dissociative identity disorder (DID), formerly known as multiple personality disorder, affects approximately 1.5% of the population. It’s characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identities, or "alters," within a single individual.
What is Dissociative Identity Disorder?
DID, formerly known as multiple personality disorder, is a complex psychiatric condition characterized by the presence within a single individual. DID is defined by the way it is because "dissociate means to disconnect, which is what someone with DID does when one of these personalities, referred to as "alters," steps into what is called the primary identity
Each alter possess their unique name, age, gender, personality traits, behaviors, memories, perceptions, and ways of interacting with the world, explains Dr. Omar Fattal, system chief of behavioral health at NYC Health + Hospitals. Alter, “is often unaware of the presence of the other identities
p>DID can make it difficult
What
Because alters can appear unpredictably, and because of other associated complications, those battling ¨to pursue personal goals, and forming "meaningful relationships," explains William Buerger, the clinical director of the dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents program
What Causes Dissociative Identity Disorder
While the exact cause remains a subject
What are some effective therapeutic approaches used to help individuals with DID manage their condition and improve their quality of life?
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re diving into a complex mental health condition: Dissociative Identity Disorder, formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder. To help us understand this, we have Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned psychiatrist specializing in dissociative disorders. Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us.
**Dr. Carter:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is Dissociative Identity Disorder?
**Dr. Carter:** DID is a complex condition where an individual experiences two or more distinct identities or personality states, known as “alters.” These alters have their own unique names, ages, genders, memories, and even ways of interacting with the world.
**Interviewer:** That’s fascinating, but also a bit unsettling. Can you explain how these alters function within a single person?
**Dr. Carter:** Imagine it like different roles or characters within one person.
Sometimes, one alter might be dominant, handling day-to-day activities, while others might take over in specific situations, triggered by stress or trauma. These switches between alters can be sudden and unpredictable.
**Interviewer:** This must make daily life incredibly difficult. What are some of the biggest challenges people with DID face?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. DID can significantly impact an individual’s personal and professional life.
They might struggle with maintaining relationships, holding down a job, or simply feeling a sense ofcoherence in their own identity.
The unpredictability of alter switches can also lead to confusion and distress for both the individual and those around them.
**Interviewer:** That’s a lot to process. What causes someone to develop DID?
**Dr. Carter:** While the exact cause is still being researched, severe and prolonged trauma, particularly during childhood, is widely considered a major contributing factor. This trauma can lead to dissociation as a coping mechanism, a way to disconnect from overwhelming emotions and experiences.
