Dissociative Identity Disorder

 Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a controversial disorder that is the subject of debate among many psychology professionals.  According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) (2000) the symptoms that someone with DID would express by the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states, each personality has its own separate identity including, gender, sexual orientation, age and even nationality. At least two of the personalities can take complete control over the person’s behavior; they have a gap in memory that cannot be explained by mere forgetfulness (American Psychological Association, 2000). 

Primarily DID is diagnosed in adults who was exposed to extended and severe trauma including sexual abuse.  During childhood they learn to disassociate themselves from the sexual abuse by allowing another personality to suffer while the primary personality escapes (Frey, Haycock, 2011).  This is a very useful defense mechanism that a child will begin to use around the age of 6.  Some of the symptoms that will cue a psychologist to look into a possible diagnosis of DID are amnesia, depersonalization, derealization, and identity disturbances.            

Amnesia is usually reported by the sufferer through long gaps in memory; the gaps can be hours or even days.  They will also find things around their house that they do not remember purchasing or notes in a different script than their own.  Depersonalization is expressed by a out of body style experience.  Derealization occurs when the person sees the external environment as unreal.  Identity disturbances are associated with the switching of personalities.  An interesting occurrence is that the primary personality is not usually the one that seeks help; it is usually the personality that was created to shelter the primary personality from the childhood trauma (Frey, 2011). 

It is understandable why the debate continues about DID being an actual mental disorder.  I personally tend to stand on the side that states that there is a mental disorder characterized by childhood trauma including severe sexual abuse that can cause a child to disassociate them from the situation and thus another personality is created to “deal” while the other escapes to a “safe zone”.  Brain storage, retrieval, and interpretation of childhood memories are still not fully understood so it is difficult to say it does not exist.  Given the fact that children often create fantasy worlds and imaginary friends to help cope with situations in their lives, disassociation could easily fall into this category.  Especially given the fact that the personalities are often brought out by stress and when effectively treated can re-emerge when the person experiences a severely stressful event.        

American Psychiatric Association (2000) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4^th edition Text Revision, Arlington Virginia

Frey R. J., Haycock D. A., (2011) Dissociative Identity Disorder, retrieved on June 16, 2011 from http://www.minddisorders.com/Del-Fi/Dissociative-identity-disorder.html