Dissociative identity disorder is the medical term for DID. Multiple separate identities may exist in DID sufferers. These people may regulate their behavior at different times. Every identity has its history, personality, and set of preferences. DID may result in memory loss and hallucinations—believing in unreal things. Dissociative identity disorder, formerly known as multiple personality disorder, is a complicated psychological condition probably brought on by various causes, such as significant trauma experienced during early childhood—typically extreme, repetitive physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.
Symptoms of Dissociative Identity Disorder
The most common cause of DID is childhood sexual or physical abuse. It can also appear in response to catastrophic events like war or other natural disasters. The “core” identity of the individual is their typical personality. Alternate incarnations of the person are referred to as “Alters”. Dissociative amnesia and dissociative fugue are common in those with dissociative identity disorder. The most significant risk factor for developing dissociative identity disorder (DID) is being physically or sexually abused as a child.
- Depersonalization is the experience of feeling separated from one’s mind, body, or self. Instead of actively participating, you seem to view your life and the events from a distance. Depersonalization or derealization is something that many individuals briefly encounter from time to time. Depersonalization-derealization disorder is more likely if these symptoms persist or never completely go away and interfere with your ability to carry out your daily activities.
- Derealization is characterized by emotions of disassociation from or disconnection from reality. Perhaps people and things don’t seem real. Depersonalization and derealization are two different but related concepts. The latter is characterized by a sense of separation from your own body, mind, or emotions.
Treatment of Dissociative Identity Disorder
Depending on your disease type, treatment for dissociative disorders may vary but typically involves psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy is frequently used as treatment. The purpose of therapy is to assist in integrating many facets of identity.
Psychotherapy
The main course of treatment for dissociative disorders is psychotherapy. This type of therapy, sometimes called talk therapy, counseling, or psychosocial therapy, discusses your disorder and associated concerns with a mental health expert. Choose a therapist who has specialized training or expertise working with traumatized individuals. You discover your unique problems and how your thoughts, feelings, and actions impact your moods during psychotherapy.
Medication
Only a certified professional with experience treating dissociative identity disorder should administer care. Therapy and, occasionally, medication management will likely make up the course of treatment for DID. DID can be treated in various ways, but the majority aim to merge the patient’s various personas into a single identity. Due to its risks, hypnosis should be carefully considered while selecting a course of treatment and a practitioner. For instance, hypnosis occasionally causes erroneous recollections and misleading abuse charges by family, friends, caregivers, and community members.
