Basic Infomation Page
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Basic Infomation
(“Dissociation,” def.1b) The separation of whole segments of the personality (as in Split Personality Disorder)...from the mainstream of consciousness or behavior. (Merriam-Webster Online)
The above Merriam-Webster online dictionary definition of dissociation referred to Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) with its outdated name.1 WebMD further defines people with DID having severe dissociation. Individuals do not have the ability to perceive their identities, thoughts, memories and emotions because they lack conscious connections. WebMD also explains how Schizophrenia is another mental disorder that is commonly confused with DID. Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia experience delusions and hallucinations. They do not have separate identities like a person with DID. In the early 1900’s, DID was uncommon. Diagnosis numbers skyrocketed between the mid 70s and mid 80s2 3. A majority of DID cases are reported in America. In contrast, France, Russia and Great Britain a lot fewer cases of DID have been reported. There has never been a reported DID diagnosis in Japan. (Brady J. Phelps 238)
Developing DID begins in childhood. Dissociation is a survival tool to cope with stressful situations. Stress stems from abusive relatives or other adults . When confronting abuse (verbal, mental, sexual, physical or combination of these) the individual becomes someone else. Later in life, a reminder of a person’s childhood will cause them to dissociate for defense (WebMD).
DID patients in their natural state are referred as a host. The act of changing from one personality state to another is known as switching. An alter takes over its host’s body and mind. Each alter or alters have their own names, gestures, ages, race, genders and sexualities. There is certain criteria that a person needs to meet in order to receive a DID diagnosis: there must be at least two alters present within the individual. Individuals must suffer from amnesia. Another factor is whether or not the disorder has took over the individual’s life. Behavior of the individual is not connected to any religions. Other medical conditions must be ruled out from consideration. None of the symptoms are a result of substance use4. Other signs of someone suffering from DID include mood swings, depression, thoughts of suicide, violent behavior, substance abuse, anxiety attacks and time loss. (WebMD)
(“Dissociation,” def.1b) The separation of whole segments of the personality (as in Split Personality Disorder)...from the mainstream of consciousness or behavior. (Merriam-Webster Online)
The above Merriam-Webster online dictionary definition of dissociation referred to Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) with its outdated name.1 WebMD further defines people with DID having severe dissociation. Individuals do not have the ability to perceive their identities, thoughts, memories and emotions because they lack conscious connections. WebMD also explains how Schizophrenia is another mental disorder that is commonly confused with DID. Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia experience delusions and hallucinations. They do not have separate identities like a person with DID. In the early 1900’s, DID was uncommon. Diagnosis numbers skyrocketed between the mid 70s and mid 80s2 3. A majority of DID cases are reported in America. In contrast, France, Russia and Great Britain a lot fewer cases of DID have been reported. There has never been a reported DID diagnosis in Japan. (Brady J. Phelps 238)
Developing DID begins in childhood. Dissociation is a survival tool to cope with stressful situations. Stress stems from abusive relatives or other adults . When confronting abuse (verbal, mental, sexual, physical or combination of these) the individual becomes someone else. Later in life, a reminder of a person’s childhood will cause them to dissociate for defense (WebMD).
DID patients in their natural state are referred as a host. The act of changing from one personality state to another is known as switching. An alter takes over its host’s body and mind. Each alter or alters have their own names, gestures, ages, race, genders and sexualities. There is certain criteria that a person needs to meet in order to receive a DID diagnosis: there must be at least two alters present within the individual. Individuals must suffer from amnesia. Another factor is whether or not the disorder has took over the individual’s life. Behavior of the individual is not connected to any religions. Other medical conditions must be ruled out from consideration. None of the symptoms are a result of substance use4. Other signs of someone suffering from DID include mood swings, depression, thoughts of suicide, violent behavior, substance abuse, anxiety attacks and time loss. (WebMD)
- Psychotherapy is one option Psychology Today suggests to treat DID patients. They help to merge each alter’s personalities and become part of the individual hosting them. Cognitive or creative therapy can also be resources for treatment. Patients with DID can also be prescribed with anti-anxiety, tranquilizer, or antidepressant medications.
Notes:
1.Multiple Personality Disorder became Dissociative Identity Disorder in 1994 according to Psychology Today
2. Brady J. Phelps says DID went from being underdiagnosed to overdiagnosed
The overdiagnosing claim could be connected with the debate about whether or not DID actually exists discussed in a separate source.
3. Criteria is paraphrased based on the DSM-5 criteria from WebMD
This informative covers the basics of Dissociative Identity Disorder. Knowing the basics will help others understand other information that is presented on this website.
Works Cited:
Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder).” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/mental-health/dissociative-identity-disorder-multiple-personality-disorder#5.
Dissociation.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissociation.
Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder).” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 24 Feb. 2017, www.psychologytoday.com/conditions/dissociative-identity-disorder-multiple-personality-disorder.
Phelps, Brady J. "Dissociative Identity Disorder: The Relevance of Behavior Analysis." Psychological Record, vol. 50, no. 2, Spring2000, p. 235. EBSCOhost, libraries.maine.edu/mainedatabases/authmaine.asp?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=cookie,ip,uid&db=edb&AN=3036096&site=eds-live.
1.Multiple Personality Disorder became Dissociative Identity Disorder in 1994 according to Psychology Today
2. Brady J. Phelps says DID went from being underdiagnosed to overdiagnosed
The overdiagnosing claim could be connected with the debate about whether or not DID actually exists discussed in a separate source.
3. Criteria is paraphrased based on the DSM-5 criteria from WebMD
This informative covers the basics of Dissociative Identity Disorder. Knowing the basics will help others understand other information that is presented on this website.
Works Cited:
Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder).” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/mental-health/dissociative-identity-disorder-multiple-personality-disorder#5.
Dissociation.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissociation.
Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder).” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 24 Feb. 2017, www.psychologytoday.com/conditions/dissociative-identity-disorder-multiple-personality-disorder.
Phelps, Brady J. "Dissociative Identity Disorder: The Relevance of Behavior Analysis." Psychological Record, vol. 50, no. 2, Spring2000, p. 235. EBSCOhost, libraries.maine.edu/mainedatabases/authmaine.asp?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=cookie,ip,uid&db=edb&AN=3036096&site=eds-live.