Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a psychological condition marked by multiple identities or 'alters' within an individual. These alters may have unique names, histories, and behaviors, often resulting from severe childhood trauma. DID can lead to amnesia, hallucinations, and identity fluctuations, severely affecting daily life. Treatment involves psychotherapy aimed at integrating these identities or managing their coexistence.

see more
Open map in editor

Exploring the Complexities of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a severe psychological condition previously referred to as multiple personality disorder. It is characterized by the existence of two or more distinct identity states, commonly known as alters, within a single individual. These alters may possess their own names, personal histories, and behavioral patterns, and they often display unique memories and social interactions. DID is frequently associated with significant amnesia, where one alter may be completely unaware of another's experiences, resulting in discontinuities in autobiographical memory. The disorder is strongly linked to early childhood trauma, often involving persistent and extreme abuse, whether physical, sexual, or emotional.
Detailed anatomical model of a human brain sectioned sagittally, showing gyri, sulci and internal structures such as corpus callosum and thalamus.

The Presentation of Alters in DID

The presentation of multiple identities in DID varies and can be categorized into possession and non-possession forms. Possession-form identities are characterized by observable changes such as alterations in voice, demeanor, and behavior, which may be interpreted as being under the influence of an external entity. Non-possession forms are marked by a sense of depersonalization, where individuals may feel disconnected from their own thoughts and actions, as if they are observers rather than participants in their own lives. These identity shifts can range from subtle to overt and can significantly interfere with the person's ability to function in everyday life.

Want to create maps from your material?

Enter text, upload a photo, or audio to Algor. In a few seconds, Algorino will transform it into a conceptual map, summary, and much more!

Try Algor

Learn with Algor Education flashcards

Click on each Card to learn more about the topic

1

Former name of DID

Click to check the answer

Previously called multiple personality disorder.

2

DID's relation to childhood trauma

Click to check the answer

Strongly linked to early severe abuse, physical, sexual, or emotional.

3

Amnesia in DID

Click to check the answer

Alters may have no memory of other alters' experiences, causing memory gaps.

4

In DID, identity shifts can be subtle or ______ and greatly disrupt daily functioning.

Click to check the answer

overt

5

DID includes ______-form identities, with changes in voice and behavior, and non-possession forms, with feelings of depersonalization.

Click to check the answer

possession

6

DID Symptom: Dissociative Amnesia

Click to check the answer

Inability to recall personal info, especially traumatic events.

7

DID Symptom: Hallucinations

Click to check the answer

Experiencing sensory perceptions without external stimuli.

8

DID Related Issue: Substance Abuse

Click to check the answer

Not a cause of DID but may exacerbate dissociative episodes.

9

The development of ______ can be influenced by a child's innate ability to dissociate and the lack of supportive relationships during key growth stages.

Click to check the answer

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

10

Initial phase of DID treatment

Click to check the answer

Focus on safety and stabilization of acute symptoms like suicidal ideation.

11

Second phase of DID therapy

Click to check the answer

Confront and process traumatic memories for integration into primary identity.

12

Final phase goal in DID treatment

Click to check the answer

Achieve unified self or functional coexistence among alters.

13

______ is a psychiatric condition marked by multiple distinct personalities within a person, often due to severe trauma.

Click to check the answer

DID

14

The goal of treating ______ is to merge the different identities or enable them to live together peacefully.

Click to check the answer

DID

Q&A

Here's a list of frequently asked questions on this topic

Similar Contents

Psychology

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

View document

Psychology

Preventive Mental Health

View document

Psychology

Understanding Eating Disorders

View document

Psychology

Biomedical Therapies in Mental Health Care

View document