Transcript Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

Dissociative Identity
Disorder (DID)
Created by: Wilberth Reyes
Definition…

Dissociative Identity Disorder: “A mental illness
that involves the sufferer experiencing at least two
clear identities or personality states, also called
alters, each of which has a fairly consistent way of
viewing and relating to the world.”
Definition cont…


Main identity known as the host and the others
are known as alters.
Before the 80s, it was known as Multiple
Personality Disorder.
Associated features…



DID patients have personalities with different
ways of reacting in terms of emotions, pulse,
blood pressure and blood flow to the brain.
The alters are usually different ages, races, have
different levels of intelligence, and even opposite
genders.
Sufferers go through depersonalization,
derealization, and identity disturbances.
Associated features cont…


Original identity usually denies any awareness of
the other identities.
Also sometimes form amnesia for years, decades
or even longer.
DSM-IV-TR…

4 diagnostic criteria:

Traumatic stressor: exposed to a catastrophic event involving
actual or threatened death or injury, or serious physical threat.
During exposed trauma, the person’s emotional response is marked
by intense fear, feelings of helplessness, or horror. In general, the
stressors caused intentionally by human beings ( genocide, rape,
torture, abuse, etc.) are experienced as more traumatic than
accidents, natural disasters, or “acts of God”.
Demonstration of two or more distinct identities in an individual.
Each identity must have their own way of thinking, perceiving,
relating to and interacting with the environment and their self.

DSM-IV-TR cont…



Two identities that assume control of behavior, one at a time and
repeatedly.
Extended periods of forgetfulness lasting too long to be considered
ordinary forgetfulness.
Determination the above symptoms are not due to drug, alcohol, or
other substances attributed to other general medical condition. Its
also necessary to rule out fantasy play or imaginary friends when
considering a diagnosis of DID in a child.
Etiology…




Although not yet scientifically proven, DID usually
occurs from severe trauma.
Once trauma becomes extreme, DID becomes
the result.
Also believed to be caused by variation of PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Some doctors believe it comes from family genes.
Etiology cont…




Develops as reaction to childhood trauma.
Most patients recall physical, sexual, and/or
emotional abuse as children.
Its been theorized children create identities to
dissociate from torture, sexual abuse and/or
neglection.
This strategy displaces suffering on other identity
or identities.
Prevalence…




It occurs in women 9 times more than in men.
50% of patients have less than 11 identities.
3% of patients in psychiatric hospitals are
diagnosed with DID.
It usually occurs around age 6, then later on more
identities are created.
Prevalence cont…



Since 70s, reports of DID patients increased to
the thousands.
More people with DID in North America than rest
of world.
Some countries DID is believed to be fake
(Britain, India and Japan).
Treatment…

Individual psychotherapy

Uncover and “map” patients alters
Treat traumatic memories
“fuse” alters
Consolidate patient’s newly integrated personality





Family therapy
Group therapy
Treatment cont…

Medication


Tranquilizers and antidepressants
Most keep medication to a minimum

Patients may become psychologically dependent on drugs

Hypnosis


Not always necessary
Recover repressed ideas/memories
Control problematic behaviors

Ex: self-mutilization or eating disorders

“fuse” alters

Patient’s personality integration process

Prognosis…




No systematic studies of long term outcome
currently exist.
Some doctors believe prognosis for recovery
excellent for children and good for adults.
Treatment takes several years
The earlier the patient is diagnosed and properly treated, the better
the prognosis
Prognosis cont…

Patients are bothered less by symptoms as they
advance to middle ages

Relief around 40s

Stress and substance abuse

Can cause relapse of symptoms at any time

Prevention

Intervention in abusive families
Treat children as early as possible

References…



Myers, D.G. (2010). Myer’s psychology for AP, New York,
NY: Worth Publishers.
Dryden-Edwards, R. (2010). Dissociative identity disorder.
Retrieved from
http://www.medicinenet.com/dissociative_identity_disorder/ar
ticle.htm
(2011). Dissociative identity disorder. Retrieved from
http://www.minddisorders.com/Del-Fi/Dissociative-identitydisorder.html
Discussion Question…

Do you think DID occurs because of family genes
or from trauma?