Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a psychological condition linked to severe trauma, featuring multiple distinct identities or 'alters'. Symptoms include amnesia, identity shifts, and gaps in memory, often accompanied by comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety. Treatment involves psychotherapy, aiming for integration or functional harmony of alters.
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DID is a severe form of dissociation characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states
Definition of alters
Alters are distinct identities or personality states that have their own patterns of perceiving and interacting with the environment
Role of alters in DID
Alters serve as a coping mechanism to help individuals endure severe trauma
DID is often misunderstood and misrepresented, and its prevalence and recognition have been subject to debate
Symptoms include the presence of distinct identities, gaps in recall, and dissociative episodes
Definition of comorbid conditions
Comorbid conditions are other mental health challenges that may coexist with DID
Examples of comorbid conditions
Comorbid conditions may include depression, anxiety, self-harm, and substance use disorders
Severe trauma during childhood can disrupt the normal process of identity formation, leading to the development of DID
Innate ability to dissociate
Some individuals may have an innate ability to dissociate easily, making them more susceptible to developing DID
Ongoing and severe stress
Ongoing and severe stress can contribute to the development of DID
Absence of supportive caregiving systems
The absence of supportive caregiving systems can also contribute to the development of DID
Treatment for DID involves several stages, including stabilization, trauma processing, and integration of alters
Types of psychotherapy
Psychotherapy techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and EMDR may be used to treat DID
Goal of therapy
The goal of therapy is to facilitate a more unified sense of self and functional harmony among alters
Role of medications
Medications may be used to address comorbid conditions or specific symptoms, but there is no medication that directly treats DID
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DID involves the presence of two or more distinct ______ states, known as ______.
personality
alters
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Dissociative disorders spectrum
Conditions disrupting self, memory, consciousness.
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DID prevalence debate
Experts question DID frequency, media influence.
