Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

Dissociative Identity Disorder, also known as Multiple Personality Disorder, is a mental disorder where an individual has more than one personality state. The individual also suffers from poor memory or memory gaps known as dissociative amnesia and it is beyond normal levels of forgetfulness. The personality states involve a change in behavior, memory, and thinking. These states do not necessarily show as different tones in voice or manners.

Dissociative identity disorder most often occurs from childhood trauma. The trauma is usually emotional, physical, or sexual in nature.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of dissociative identify disorder include:

• Difficulty connecting with others
• Difficulty recalling experiences
• Difficulty recalling life history
• Difficulty recalling major life events
• Hallucinations
• Large gaps of memory
• Moodiness
• PTSD

Causes & Risk Factors

Dissociative identity disorder most often comes from abuse and trauma during childhood such as:

• Emotional abuse
• Natural disasters
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• War

Treatment

Dissociative identity disorder can be treated. A licensed clinician will determine the best treatment options for you. Treatments for dissociative identity disorder include:

• Medication Management: A licensed clinician can prescribe medication to manage the symptoms of dissociative identity disorder.
• Therapy: Therapy and counseling can help treat dissociative identity disorder. There are several different types of therapy and a licensed clinician will identify which are the most effective for you.