What is Dissociative Identity Disorder?
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder, is a complex psychological condition characterised by the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states within you. These identities, commonly referred to as "alters," can have their own unique set of behaviours, memories, thoughts, and emotions.
You may experience gaps in your memory, which can be extensive and may result in the inability to recall important personal information, events, or periods of time. You may also exhibit other dissociative symptoms such as depersonalisation (feeling detached from oneself), derealisation (perceiving the external world as unreal), and identity confusion.
Media often portrays individuals with DID as dangerous or violent. While some individuals with DID may have experienced violent alter switches or self-harming behaviours, it is not a characteristic of the disorder as a whole.
Individuals with DID are not intentionally creating different identities for attention or personal gain. The condition is a result of trauma and serves as a coping mechanism.
How is Dissociative Identity Disorder different to Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder characterised by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganised thinking, while DID involves the presence of multiple distinct identities or personality states within an individual.
What is the likely cause?
There are a few key factors that contribute to the development of DID. These are:
1. Childhood trauma: Many individuals diagnosed with DID have a history of severe physical, sexual, or emotional abuse during childhood. Traumatic experiences such as neglect, witnessing violence, or being exposed to chronic instability can also play a role. The trauma is thought to overwhelm the individual's capacity to cope, leading to the fragmentation of identity as a defence mechanism.
2. Disorganised attachment: Disruptions in early attachment relationships, such as inconsistent care, neglect, or abuse, can contribute to the development of DID. These early relational difficulties may disrupt the development of a cohesive sense of self and the ability to integrate experiences.
3. Developmental factors: The onset of DID usually occurs in childhood or adolescence when identity formation is still taking place. Children are more susceptible to dissociation due to their developing brain and limited coping mechanisms. If trauma occurs during this critical period of identity development, it can have a profound impact on identity formation.
There may be genetic or biological vulnerabilities that influence your susceptibility to developing the disorder. Some studies suggest that if you have a family history of dissociation, or related mental health conditions, then you may be more predisposed to DID.
What treatments are available?
DID typically requires long-term and comprehensive treatment. The primary goal of treatment is to improve overall functioning, reduce symptoms, enhance integration and cooperation among identities, and address underlying trauma.
Psychotherapy is the cornerstone of treatment for DID. Some therapies such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), focuses on processing and healing traumatic memories. It helps individuals develop coping strategies, reduce distressing symptoms, and promote integration. Medications, like antidepressants or antianxiety medications, can help to treat underlying depression and anxiety; and supportive therapies can also help to promote self-expression and healing.
It is essential for individuals with DID to work with mental health professionals experienced in treating trauma-related disorders and dissociation. Treatment approaches should be tailored to the individual's specific needs and goals, and the therapeutic process may take time, patience, and commitment.
Our support team can help you in your everyday life to experience a greater quality of life by ensuring you’re eating healthy, nutritious meals, attending appointments, keeping yourself and home clean and hygienic, as well as accessing the community and rebuilding interpersonal skills.