What is dissociative identity disorder?

Dissociative disorders are mental health disorders where the individual experiences a sense of separation between thoughts, memories, emotions, environment, and behaviors and identity. It may include escape from reality not wanted and not healthy in nature. This, of course, creates a problem while managing everyday life.

Dissociative disorders typically begin as a response to shocking, distressing, or painful events and also serve to 'repel' difficult memories. Symptoms tend to vary somewhat according to which type of dissociative disorder is involved but can involve anything from forgetfulness through to disunited identity. Stressful periods increase symptoms for some time; this makes symptoms a little easier to identify.

Treatment for dissociative disorders can include talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, and medication. Dissociative disorders are not easy to treat, but many people learn new ways of coping and their lives get better.

What are the types of dissociative identity disorder?

DID has two forms or types:

• Possession: Identities seem as if your body were possessed by an outside spirit or entity. Others notice changes in how you talk or behave. The personality change is not intentional, and the identity is not desirable.
• Nonpossession: You know less about people. Rather than being in control of your words, feelings, or actions, you might find that you are quickly changed in how you perceive yourself, as if you are seeing yourself in a movie (an "out-of-body" experience).

It is important to note that although many cultures and religions worldwide embrace the concept, DID has nothing to do with these voluntary spiritual practices.

What are the symptoms of dissociative identity disorder?

Some of the symptoms of DID include:

• Having at least two personality states or identities. They affect your thoughts, actions, memory, and self-concept.
• Amnesia or forgetfulness about daily activities, personal matters, and unpleasant experiences.
• Your ability to function at school, work, or in social environments is affected by your different identities.

Along with DID, there may (but are not always) be other mental health symptoms, including:

• Fear.
• Illusions
• Depression.
• Self-destructive behavior.
• Substance abuse disorder.
• Suicidal ideation or suicidal thoughts.

What causes dissociative identity disorder?

DID causes may be:

• Intense situations.
• Injury.
• Abuse.
• Most of these happen in childhood. DID helps you to move away or disassociate yourself from the trauma.

DID symptoms may be triggered precipitously by:

• Leaving a stressful or painful situation behind, such as moving homes.
• Your children or close family members growing up at the age you were traumatized.
• A recent experience that is unpleasant or traumatic (for example, a car crash).
• Death of the abuser or a severe life-threatening illness.

What are the dissociative identity disorder risk factors?

DID may be more likely to strike you if you have:

• Sexual or physical abuse.
• Disregard.
• Numerous medical operations as a child.
• Either terrorism or war.

How is a diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder made?

In order to make a diagnosis, you must typically discuss your symptoms and rule out any underlying medical conditions. Referrals to mental health specialists are frequently part of the testing and diagnosing process.

The diagnosis could include:

Physical Exam: Your doctor examines you, hears your complaints, and scrutinizes your medical history. A few tests may exclude or rule out physical illnesses causing these types of symptoms which range from lack of memory to a sense of disconnection from the outside world. These include the following:

• Head injury
• Specific brain disorders
• Extreme sleep deprivation
• Drug or alcohol abuse.

Mental health assessment: A mental health assessment involves discussing symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behavior among you and your mental health provider. Family members or any other person may provide you with helpful information if you grant them permission.

How is dissociative identity disorder treated?

Treatment for DID includes:

• Medications for managing symptoms such as depression and anxiety.
• Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavioral therapy.

The first step of treatment is always to ensure you are safe. A healthcare provider who has specialized training in mental health disorders can help you to find the right treatment. Treatment is tailored to meet your needs.

Dissociative identity disorder therapy

Dissociative identity disorder therapy focuses on:

• Identifying and resolving previous trauma.
• Managing flash of changed behavior.
• Integrating dual identities into one.
• You might benefit from private, group, or family therapy.

Attending therapy can be a difficult task. You must work through times when events evoke intense emotion. Such times may evoke a feeling of anxiety, impotence, fear, and aloneness. But you don't have to do this alone. Your therapist, along with your loved ones, will want to support and work with you as you make your way through treatment for DID.

Is it possible to prevent dissociative identity disorder?

Although DID cannot be prevented, symptoms can be managed by recognizing symptoms early and getting treatment. Teachers, parents, and other carers should keep an eye out for symptoms in young children. DID may not worsen if treatment is received shortly after trauma or abuse incidents.

For many, therapy may also suggest possible causes for the shift in identity or personality. It might be possible to reduce the number of different alters governing your behavior at various times by managing stress and refraining from illegal drugs and excessive alcohol consumption.

Will the symptoms of DID go away?

There is no treatment for DID. Nevertheless, your symptoms may get better. For the rest of your life, you will have to live with this condition. To prevent symptoms from being in charge, your doctor will help you choose the right treatment or combination of treatments, even if this all seems overwhelming.

When do I need to see a physician?

It is easy to reduce the extent to which your symptoms interfere with your daily life. Consult a healthcare provider if you suspect something is wrong with your memory, sense of self, or ability to function.

Go to the emergency room if you or someone you know with DID exhibits any of the following symptoms:

• Self-destructive behavior.
• Suicidal thoughts.
• Acts of violence.

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