Overview Show Dissociative identity disorder, previously known as multiple personality disorder, is a type of dissociative disorder. Along with dissociative amnesia and depersonalization-derealization disorder, it’s one of the three major dissociative disorders. Dissociative disorders can be found in people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) estimates that about 2 percent of people experience dissociative disorders. The most recognizable symptom of dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a person’s identity being involuntarily split between at least two distinct identities (personality states). Other symptoms might include:
It’s important to note that according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, many cultures around the globe include possession as part of a normal spiritual ritual or practice. This isn’t considered a dissociative disorder. Interacting with someone with dissociative identity disorderIf you believe someone you know has DID, you may get the impression that you’re communicating with not one, but several different people, as the person switches between personalities. Often, each identity will have their own name and characteristics. They’ll each commonly have an unrelated detailed background with obvious differences in age, gender, voice, and mannerisms. Some might even have individual physical characteristics such as a limp or poor vision that requires glasses. There are often differences in each identity’s awareness and relationship — or lack thereof — to the other identities. Dissociative identity disorder — along with other dissociative disorders — usually develop as a way to deal with some type of trauma they’ve experienced. According to the American Psychiatric Association, 90 percent of people with dissociative identity disorder in the United States, Canada, and Europe have experienced childhood neglect or abuse. The primary treatment for DID is psychotherapy. Also known as talk therapy or psychosocial therapy, psychotherapy is focused on talking with a mental health professional about your mental health. The goal of psychotherapy is to learn how to cope with your disorder and to understand the cause of it. Hypnosis is also considered by some to be a useful tool for DID treatment. Medication is sometimes used in the treatment of DID, as well. Although there are no medications specifically recommended for the treatment of dissociative disorders, your doctor might use them for associated mental health symptoms. Some commonly used medications are:
If you can identify with any of the following, you should make an appointment to see your doctor:
If you identify with the symptoms of dissociative identity disorder, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. If your friend or a loved one is displaying the common symptoms, you should encourage them to seek help. You can also contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-6264 or email for support. Dissociative disorders are characterized by an involuntary escape from reality characterized by a disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness and memory. People from all age groups and racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds can experience a dissociative disorder. Up to 75% of people experience at least one depersonalization/derealization episode in their lives, with only 2% meeting the full criteria for chronic episodes. Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with a dissociative disorder. The symptoms of a dissociative disorder usually first develop as a response to a traumatic event, such as abuse or military combat, to keep those memories under control. Stressful situations can worsen symptoms and cause problems with functioning in everyday activities. However, the symptoms a person experiences will depend on the type of dissociative disorder that a person has. Treatment for dissociative disorders often involves psychotherapy and medication. Though finding an effective treatment plan can be difficult, many people are able to live healthy and productive lives. SymptomsSymptoms and signs of dissociative disorders include:
The symptoms of dissociative disorders depend on the type of disorder that has been diagnosed. There are three types of dissociative disorders defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM):
CausesDissociative disorders usually develop as a way of dealing with trauma. Dissociative disorders most often form in children exposed to long-term physical, sexual or emotional abuse. Natural disasters and combat can also cause dissociative disorders. DiagnosisDoctors diagnose dissociative disorders based on a review of symptoms and personal history. A doctor may perform tests to rule out physical conditions that can cause symptoms such as memory loss and a sense of unreality (for example, head injury, brain lesions or tumors, sleep deprivation or intoxication). If physical causes are ruled out, a mental health specialist is often consulted to make an evaluation. Many features of dissociative disorders can be influenced by a person’s cultural background. In the case of dissociative identity disorder and dissociative amnesia, patients may present with unexplained, non-epileptic seizures, paralyses or sensory loss. In settings where possession is part of cultural beliefs, the fragmented identities of a person who has DID may take the form of spirits, deities, demons or animals. Intercultural contact may also influence the characteristics of other identities. For example, a person in India exposed to Western culture may present with an “alter” who only speaks English. In cultures with highly restrictive social conditions, amnesia is frequently triggered by severe psychological stress such as conflict caused by oppression. Finally, voluntarily induced states of depersonalization can be a part of meditative practices prevalent in many religions and cultures, and should not be diagnosed as a disorder. TreatmentDissociative disorders are managed through various therapies including:
Related ConditionsBecause dissociative disorders appear on the trauma spectrum, many patients may have conditions associated with trauma, as well as additional trauma-based conditions.
What type of disorder is a dissociative disorder?Dissociative disorders are mental disorders that involve experiencing a disconnection and lack of continuity between thoughts, memories, surroundings, actions and identity. People with dissociative disorders escape reality in ways that are involuntary and unhealthy and cause problems with functioning in everyday life.
Is dissociative identity a personality disorder?Dissociative identity disorder is not a personality disorder. It is the result of a natural way of coping with sustained childhood trauma. Our page on the causes of dissociative disorders has more information.
What is dissociative identity disorder also known as?(Multiple Personality Disorder)
In dissociative identity disorder, formerly called multiple personality disorder, two or more identities alternate being in control within the same person.
Is dissociative identity disorder psychopathy?In the movies, people with multiple personality disorder are nearly always psychopaths. But according to these contributing academics, most people who have dissociative identity disorder, as the condition is now known, aren't psychopaths – they're victims of society's most heinous crimes.
|
What type of disorder is dissociative identity disorder
Related Posts
Copyright © 2024 nguoilontuoi Inc.
