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.
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Alters are distinct identity states within an individual with their own names, personal histories, and behaviors
Amnesia is a common symptom of DID, where one alter may be unaware of another's experiences, resulting in discontinuities in autobiographical memory
DID can present in possession and non-possession forms, with possession-form identities displaying observable changes and non-possession forms marked by depersonalization
DID is strongly linked to early childhood trauma, particularly persistent and extreme abuse, which can disrupt the normal process of identity formation
Factors such as a natural capacity for dissociation, altered perceptions due to trauma, and the absence of supportive relationships can contribute to the development of DID
Substance abuse may worsen the frequency of dissociative episodes and alter transitions, but it is not a direct cause of DID
Dissociative amnesia is a common symptom of DID, where critical personal information and traumatic experiences cannot be recalled
DID can manifest in hallucinations, which are sensory perceptions that appear real but are not actually present
Additional symptoms of DID may include mood disorders, self-injurious behaviors, and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures
Treatment for DID involves a comprehensive, phased approach, starting with establishing safety and stabilizing acute symptoms
Psychotherapy, particularly techniques that facilitate communication and cooperation between alters, is the cornerstone of treatment for DID
In some cases, adjunctive treatments such as hypnotherapy and pharmacotherapy may be used to alleviate symptoms, though their efficacy may vary among the alters
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Former name of DID
Previously called multiple personality disorder.
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DID's relation to childhood trauma
Strongly linked to early severe abuse, physical, sexual, or emotional.
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Amnesia in DID
Alters may have no memory of other alters' experiences, causing memory gaps.
