Dissociative Identity Disorder

 Mety Tri Nurnuzulawati, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psikolog

OVERVIEW

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder, is a mental health condition that involves problems with memory, identity, emotion, perception, behavior, and sense of self.

DID is characterized by the presence of at least two distinct and relatively enduring personality states, and the disorder is accompanied by memory gaps more severe than could be explained by ordinary forgetfulness. Here are some key facts about DID:

According to many researchers, the etiology of DID is multifactorial, involving a complex interaction between developmental trauma, sociocultural influences, and biological factors.

Diagnosis: Diagnosis of DID is made by a mental health professional based on a clinical interview, review of medical history, and psychological testing.

Treatment: Treatment for DID typically involves psychotherapy, medication, and/or hypnotherapy. The goal of treatment is to help the individual integrate their different identities and reduce symptoms.

There are several myths surrounding DID, such as the belief that it is a fad or that it is caused by therapists implanting false memories. However, empirical research has shown that these beliefs are not supported by the evidence.

In summary, DID is a complex mental health condition that involves problems with memory, identity, and sense of self. It is associated with childhood trauma and can be treated with psychotherapy, medication, and hypnotherapy.

SYMPTOMS

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a mental health condition that involves problems with memory, identity, emotion, perception, behavior, and sense of self. DID is characterized by the presence of at least two distinct and relatively enduring personality states, and the disorder is accompanied by memory gaps more severe than could be explained by ordinary forgetfulness. Here are some of the symptoms of DID:

1. Memory lapses
2. Feeling detached from oneself
3. Feeling as if one is watching oneself from outside the body
4. Having two or more distinct identities or personality states
5. Headache
6. Amnesia
7. Time loss
8. Trances
9. "Out of body experiences"
10. Tendency toward self-persecution, self-sabotage, and even violence (both self-inflicted and outwardly directed)
11. Coexisting diagnoses of borderline or other personality disorders, depression, and anxiety.

It is important to note that DID symptoms can vary from person to person, and not everyone with DID will experience all of these symptoms. A mental health professional should be consulted for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Factors that influence Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) include:

Trauma: DID is strongly linked to trauma, especially trauma in childhood. Developmentally stressful events in childhood, including abuse, emotional neglect, disturbed attachment, and boundary violations are central and typical etiological factors.

Identity fragmentation: Individuals with DID may experience a fragmentation of their identity, where they have two or more distinct identities or personality states that control their behavior at different times. These identities may have different names, ages, genders, and personalities.

Memory lapses: Individuals with DID may experience memory lapses or gaps that are more severe than ordinary forgetfulness.. They may not remember important events in their lives or may have difficulty recalling personal information.

Triggers: Individuals with DID may have triggers that cause them to switch between different identities or personality states. These triggers may be related to past trauma or stressors in their current environment.

Coexisting mental health conditions: Individuals with DID may have coexisting mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or borderline personality disorder. These conditions may complicate the diagnosis and treatment of DID.

Biological factors: Some researchers suggest that biological factors may contribute to the development of DID. For example, studies have found that individuals with DID have differences in brain structure and function compared to individuals without the disorder.

Sociocultural factors: Sociocultural factors, such as familial, societal, and cultural factors, may give rise to trauma and/or influence the expression of DID.

Treatment for DID typically involves psychotherapy, medication, and/or hypnotherapy. The goal of treatment is to help the patient integrate their different identities and reduce symptoms. It is important for individuals with DID to seek help from a mental health professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

References:

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Dissociative Identity Disorder. In DSM-5.

1. Brand, B. L. (2014). Dissociative identity disorder: An empirical overview. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 48(5), 402-417.

1. Dell, P. F. (2009). Dissociative identity disorder: A contemporary overview. Journal of Psychiatric Practice, 15(3), 216-228.

1. Fine, C. G., & Berkowitz, R. L. (2001). Dissociative identity disorder: A controversial diagnosis. Psychiatry, 64(3), 181-193.

1. International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation. (2011). Guidelines for treating dissociative identity disorder in adults, third revision. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 12(2), 115-187.

1. Kluft, R. P. (2009). Dissociative identity disorder: Theoretical and treatment controversies. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 10(2), 115-127.