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What Is Dissociative-Identity Disorder (DID)?Dissociative-identity disorder, also known as DID or DID disorder, is a complex psychological condition, in which a person develops one or more alternate personalities typically as a coping mechanism for extreme trauma or abuse that occurred in early childhood. DID is sometimes referred to as multiple-personality disorder. A person with dissociative-identity disorder has the ability to switch personalities, often without warning, leading to changes in behavior, appearance, mannerisms, and even self-identity. The person’s original or “core” personality can coexist with these alternate personalities, or “alters,” while remaining unaware of them. DID is a rare condition but one associated with very real costs in personal wellbeing. It is more common in women than in men. If someone you know is demonstrating dissociative-identity behaviors, the health-care experts at Baptist Health may be able to help. SymptomsDID disrupts the normal operation of the mind in several ways. There are five psychological traits that define it:
More specifically, dissociative-identity disorder symptoms include:
Persons with DID are considered a suicide risk. In fact, seven persons out of ten with DID attempt suicide at some point during their lives. Examples of Dissociative BehaviorPersons with dissociative-identity disorder often experience unusual and highly dramatic changes in behavior:
Dissociative disorders share characteristics with other psychological mechanisms for dealing with trauma, including acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CausesDID appears to be a complex psychological mechanism for dealing with extreme childhood trauma, usually occurring before age six. It has been estimated that more than 90 percent of all cases involve some form of serious abuse or neglect. The nature of this abuse can vary, being physical, sexual, or psychological, or it can result from social or environmental disruptions, such as warfare or natural disasters. DID “solves” the issue of traumatic memory by hiding it from consciousness, often in one or more alternate personalities. Personality switches may be linked to feelings of stress or uncertainty. What seem to be relatively trivial occurrences – getting a parking ticket, for instance – can result in over-reactive responses as an assertive personality takes over from a shy or mild-mannered one. DiagnosisBecause DID shares symptoms with other psychological disorders, your physician or mental-health provider may find diagnosing this condition complicated. Here are some steps he or she is likely to take:
The DSM-5 criteria are:
TreatmentSeveral different therapies are used with DID. Their goal is three-pronged: symptom relief, reduced risk of violence or self-injury, and integration of the core and alternate personalities into a single, healthy identity. Treatment Options for Dissociative-Identity Disorder:
Featured LocationsSee All Related Locations Next Steps with MyChartDiscover MyChart, a free patient portal that combines your Baptist Health medical records into one location. Schedule appointments, review lab results, financials, and more! If you have questions, give us a call. Which of the following is the goal in the treatment of dissociative identity disorder?The goals of treatment for dissociative disorders are to help the patient safely recall and process painful memories, develop coping skills, and, in the case of dissociative identity disorder, to integrate the different identities into one functional person.
What are the three steps in the treatment for dissociative identity disorder?The most common course of treatment consists of three stages:. Establishing safety, stabilization, and symptom reduction. ... . Confronting, working through, and integrating traumatic memories. ... . Integration and rehabilitation.. What is the goal of DID?The main therapy goal for individuals with dissociative identity is the integration of the various alters (identities) into one cohesive identity, which can be considered the person's actual self.
What are 3 key features of dissociative identity disorder?A blurred sense of identity. Significant stress or problems in your relationships, work or other important areas of your life. Inability to cope well with emotional or professional stress.
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