...Assignment: Dissociative Identity Disorder and its representation in the media This essay will look at Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and its portrayal in the media. DID was formally known as Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD).This essay will cover the symptoms of DID, the criteria used for diagnosis, causes and triggers of disorder, how the disorder is portrayed in the media and the reality of the disorder for sufferers. According to the (American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders pg 519) Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states that recurrently take control of the individual’s behaviour accompanied by an inability to recall important personal information that is too extensive to be explained by ordinary forgetfulness. It is a disorder characterized by identity fragmentation rather than a proliferation of separate personalities. Multiple Personality Disorder is more commonly known as a person with a split personality or a schizophrenic. This is most common in the form of alter egos. The personalities need to interact with the environment by taking control of the person’s behaviour. According to http://www.minddisorders.com/Del-Fi/Dissociative-identity-disorder.html the name of the disorder changed from ‘Multiple Personality disorder’ because ‘Dissociative Identity Disorder’ because DID is a much more accurate description of the disorder as it...
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...Dissociative Identity Disorder was formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder. This was changed in the year 1994 because of further understanding of the disorder, and realizing that the disorder was a result of early childhood trauma. Dissociative Identity Disorder is when a person possesses two or more personalities, which take control of the body and mind at different times. A person who suffers from Dissociative Identity Disorder forgets and often blacks out at times in which a different personality takes over. This forgetfulness is often described as “beyond ordinary forgetting”. During these times of “blacking-out” is when a secondary personality takes over, and that is the reason for the forgetting. The main identity is called the host identity and often is unaware of the secondary personality or personalities. Before the 1980’s Dissociative Identity Disorder was a rare disorder that did not seem to have much attention. Dissociative Identity Disorder was not mentioned by more then a sentence in the DSM that was under the category of “hysterical neurosis”. There was no separate listing for Dissociative Identity Disorder until 1980 where a group of interested therapists lobbied to have Dissociative Identity Disorder become a full part of the DSM. (Acocella 6) As defined in the DSM-IV TR Dissociative Identity Disorder is “the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states that recurrently take control of behavior.” (526) Dissociative Identity...
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...Running Head: DISSOCIATIVE IDENTITY DISORDER: ITS CAUSES AND TREATMENTS Dissociative Identity Disorder: its causes and treatments: What are the roots causes and treatments of Dissociative Identity Disorder Abstract Research shows that Dissociative Identity Disorder, the most extreme form of dissociative disorders, is usually developed in childhood as a means to cope with emotionally difficult situations, whether it is sexual abuse or other childhood trauma. In the past, it has been assumed that Dissociative Identity Disorder has no treatment because of the complexity of the condition. However, recent studies have shown that structured clinical psychiatry sessions can alleviate the symptoms of Dissociative Identity Disorder and actually reduce the number of memory relapses. These conclusions stand as testimonies to the fact that Dissociative Identity Disorder can be treated despite the claims of past studies. “What if pretending she was somebody else was the only way a little girl knew how to defend herself. But she had to pretend so intensely that the pretending became real” (Sargent, 2007). In the 2007 docudrama film Sybil, directed by Joseph Sargent, the main character Sybil Dorsett suffers from 16 personalities because of her Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), which she developed as a child. Dissociative Identity Disorder is defined as “a condition in which a person displays multiple distinct identities (known as alters or parts), each with its own pattern of...
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...Dissociative Identity Disorder, formally known as Multiple Personalty Disorder is a severe condition in which two or more distinct identities, or personality states, are present in, and alternately take control of an individual. The person also experiences memory loss that is too extensive to be explained by ordinary forgetfulness. I picked this topic because the way the brain works interests me. I plan on going to school to be a psychiatrist and work/help with people who have this or something else. This is a good interesting topic that I will be able to get a lot of interesting information on. I’ll be able to see what might cause it, how many people have the disease, symptoms, and what might be able to help it. I’ve seen lots of detective type shows and seen people who have this disease. I myself don’t know anybody who has a multiple personalties disease. But ever since I’ve seen detective type shows, I’ve found an interest in helping people and doing this. You may wonder if there are any treatments for this disorder. The disorder can not permanently go away. The primary treatment for this disease is long term psychotherapy with the goal of deconstructing the different personalities and uniting them into just one. Some other treatments would be cognitive and creative therapies and some medications. There are not specific medications for this disorder, but antidepressants, anti-anxiety and tranquilizers can help with this. For this project I interviewed David Clayman...
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...has become evident. There are many different types of dissociative disorders, but the one that caught my eye most was Dissociative Identity Disorder. This disorder was previously known as multiple personality disorder. This disorder has become better known because of the media and has become more diagnosed among patients. As I began to put myself in the shoes of someone with this disorder, I realized what barriers it would cause, how it would affect my daily life, what strengths I might gain, and what treatment is available. Often people are misled about what Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) really is. Kong, Allen, and Glisky in their journal state, “Dissociative Identity Disorder is defined as the presence of two or more identities or personality states that recurrently take control of a person’s behavior” (Kong, Allen & Glisky, 2008). It falls into the category of dissociative disorders. There are multiple criteria to be met in order to be diagnosed with DID. As stated in the DSM-IV, two or more distinct identities or personalities have to be present in the individual. Also, these distinct identities have to take control over the behavior recurrently. Thirdly, the individual is unable to recall important information and this inability is too severe to be attributed to mere ordinary forgetfulness, and the disturbance is not an outcome of substance abuse or general medical condition ("Dissociative identity disorder, 2013"). The number of identities a person has can range...
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..."Identity" is a Psycholgical Thiller about man with Dissociative Disorder. The movie starts off with the audience being introduced to Malcolm Rivers. He is charged with such a serious crime, that he is about to be executed the next day. His psychiatrist wants to prove that Rivers is not mentally able to be the person to commit the crimes, and he convinced a judge to stand before Rivers and check again to make sure he didn't really commit his crimes. Miles away in a small hotel, a bad storm has brought many strangers together. George, his wife Alice, and his stepson Timmy have pulled into a hotel after an accident injured Alice. The accident had Alice getting hit by limo driver Ed, who hit her while they were changing a tire. Ed is bringing the former famous actress Caroline to wherever she needs to be. They go to the hotel after learning that the roads are flooded, and it turns out that the phones at the hotel do not work because of an accident involving a woman named Paris hitting the telephone polls. Two more clusters of people come to the hotel. One is a cop named Rhodes who is bringing a murderer to someplace, and a newlywed couple. All of these people rent rooms in the hotel from Larry, and everything is all right. They agreed to wait until the storm lets up to get help. Everything is going fine until one of the guests die in a brutal way. Everyone is shocked and one by one the guests begin to die, as the remaining people try to figure out who is doing the killing, and who...
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...Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously known as multiple personality disorder, first appeared in DSM-III as a diagnostic unit (DSM-III; American Psychiatric Association, 1980). Although research on DID has become prevalent in the last 30 years, knowledge and acceptance of this disorder is still far from certain. While there are professionals that believe they regularly see DID in clinical practice, there are still many professionals that believe it does not exist. In order to decide if DID is a valid disorder, it is important to take the concerns of both arguments into account. These concerns include: validity, diagnostic, cultural and conceptual challenges (Dorahy, et al., 2014, pp. 402-417). After examining current research, I believe...
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...Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) has a unique position in psychopathology; in previous eras and still, in modern-day society, the idea and validity of the occurrence of dissociative identities, inside a single person, has caused much debate and conflict between mental health care specialists (Traub, 2009). It produces an extraordinary combination of both approval and refutation in the scientific world. Starting with approval, DID is a formally documented diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM; APA, 2013) in addition to the International Classification of Diseases. Furthermore, the study of DID yields a mild but stable output of publications supporting cases of the disorder in nations all...
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...Dissociative Identity Disorder is often depicted in movies, books, and TV shows. Unfortunately, these medias often leave the public with a skewed view of the disorder. DID, as this disorder is often referred to as, is a dissociative disorder, that is more commonly known by its informal name, multiple personality disorder. Those who suffer from Dissociative Identity Disorder start developing alternative personalities as young as six years old. They can have anywhere from two to one hundred personalities, although average is about ten. These alter egos can have different physical needs, medical needs, relationship preferences, thoughts, feelings, genders, and behaviors. These egos all serve different purposes, although their main purpose is...
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...RASHIDAT POPOOLA READ 0950:18 12/07/2015 MY TOPIC: DISSOCIATIVE IDENTITY DISORDER; (CAUSES, SYMPTOMS & TREATMENT OPTIONS) Summary Treating patients with Dissociative identity disorder take a long process and in some cases 5-7 years, depending on its severity. Just as the ailment is vast, encompassing, so does its treatment because it is customized to unify the scattered indentity. In the journal of family psychotherapy,20:72-88,2009 ISSN: 0897-5353 print/ 1540-4080 online.DOI: 10.1080/08975350802716566, titled Family Therapy and Mental Health; SHOBIA PAIS of the department of Family Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis.Indiana USA wrote extensively on the psychotherapeutic measures of treating DID sufferers,under the topic; “A systemic Approach to the Treatment Dissociative Disorder”. SHOBIA commented that because sufferers of “DID” are mostly victims of sexual abuse at childhood, the involvement of immediate family members in the treatment can not be undermined.. This article dived deep into the various Psychotherapeutic measures that could be applied to treat sufferers of ‘DID’ . The influence and support neede from the immediate family members of the sufferer can not be compromised or underestimated. Basically the treatment is in 3 phases or stages tor an effective outcome, meanwhile the success of each phase is interrelated. According to SHOBIA PAIS , the stages could be enumerated as follows: 1.Pretreatment/Preliminary phase: involves...
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...Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), or Multiple Personality Disorder, is a mental illness that happens in 0.01 to 1 percent of the population. According to the article, “Dissociative Identity Disorder” DID is described as, “a severe condition in which two or more distinct identities, or personality states, are present in- and alternately take control of- an individual” (Dissociative Identity Disorder). The cause of DID is somewhat unknown, but there is evidence that the cause has to do with severe physical and sexual abuse in childhood. The repeated abuse causes the person to separate their feelings, thoughts, and memories linked to their disturbing experience from the usual level of conscious attentiveness in order to cope with the extreme...
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...Dissociative and Mood Disorders Gretchen Harper Psy/203 March 30, 2015 Bonnie Johnson Dissociative and Mood Disorders Dissociative Disorders Dissociative disorders include several syndromes that contribute to a change in consciousness which affect an individual’s memory and their identity. In the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) there are five major subcategories of this disorder. They include the following: 1. Dissociative Amnesia: Patients suffer from loss of memory including information regarding themselves or their life experiences. 2. Dissociative Fugue: The amnesia is a large part of the patient’s life; they also experience a personal loss of identity and in most cases loss of physical location. 3. Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID): The patient has very different identities (two or more). Also known as multiple personalities or alter egos. The patient alternates their states of personality which each has control over conscious thoughts, actions and experiences. These personalities are usually separated by a level of amnesia. 4. Depersonalization Disorder: Patients have an understanding that they change in some way or are no longer real. They also have belief that their surroundings are not real too. 5. Dissociative Disorders (not specified): Patients show one or some symptoms of dissociative disorders but might not be to the extent of being diagnosed in the previous categories. Cultural specific beliefs of “spirit-possession”...
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...have a split-personality disorder. Renee Zellweger plays a blonde, sweet woman wanted in her hometown for murder. Charlie sets out on an assignment to deliver Irene to the police station but instead wind up on the run from some corrupt police officers and a crazy ex boyfriend. During all these events Charlie loses his medicine subscribed by his doctor or help with his disorder, thus releasing Hank at the most inappropriate times. Charlie’s split-personality disorder began when his wife left him for their limousine driver, leaving him taking care of their three grown children. All this inner anger developed Charlie’s alter ego, known as Hank Evans. Hank is caused by advanced delusionary schizophrenia with involuntary narcissistic rage. Hank is the complete opposite of Charlie. Hank is crazy, and aggressive, more outspoken than Charlie but not in a good way. Charlie is assigned to escort Ms. Irene Walters to upstate New York where police wanted her in her hometown. Upon arrival Irene realizes that her ex-boyfriend is actually setting her up for murder. Charlie then takes her under his protection from the corrupt cops and crazy ex-boyfriend. In the middle of all this madness, his prescription that keeps his disorder under control is lost. Charlie and Irene are now on the run from both the police and the crazed boyfriend, not alone though. Hank makes his appearance at the worst possible times when Charlie’s medicine wears off. Despite his disorder along their hilarious journey...
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...The Many Faces of Dissociative Identity Disorder Abstract This research paper aims to explore the mental disease known as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously known as multiple personality disorder. I explore the meaning, symptoms, and effects of DID. My research describes those diagnosed with DID and the probable reasons of why they have the disorder. This study also explains the many different treatments and the effects those treatments might have on a person that has the disorder. I include a research study done on someone diagnosed with DID, the method used to help treat her, and the results of her treatment. Lastly, I state my opinion on DID and the methods I believe with help people prevent, treat, and cope with Dissociative Identity Disorder. The Many Faces of Dissociative Identity Disorder Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder, is a mental condition where a person possesses two or more different personalities which may alternate within the individual’s conscious awareness. A person living with DID many have as little as two personalities, referred to as alters, or as many as 100, though the average is about ten. Alters may exhibit differences in speech, behaviors, attitudes, thoughts, and gender orientation. They may even have physical differences, such as allergies, right-or-left handedness, or the need for eyeglass prescriptions. At least two of these personalities assert themselves repeatedly to...
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...Dissociation Disorder Rebecca Lynn England General Psychology; Valley College Abstract An exploration of Dissociative Disorder including an overview of debates, disorder description, causes, and treatment. Hundreds of studies have been performed concerning this subject. There are countless theories and allegations concerning multiple personalities, even dating back to the days of the witch hunts. Initial symptoms generally begin in childhood. By adulthood, a person has usually forgotten the actual abuse or trauma that caused the psychological disorder, but are left with a myriad of manifestations of abnormal behaviors throughout life. Memories that begin to reemerge later in life are caused by what is called triggers. In depth testing must be undergone to determine if a person actually has this condition. Once diagnosed, treatment is extensive, lasting over many years. Realistically, the person may never completely function normally. Keywords: Dissociative Disorder, multiple personalities, alter personalities, psychological conditions, treatment, abuse, trauma, switching, post-traumatic stress disorder Living Beyond Oneself: The Reality of Dissociation Disorder The Creation of an Alter Person Dissociative Disorder is part of a series of conditions called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, “a condition of reoccurring persistent mental and emotional stress as a result of injury or severe psychological shock.” (NLM) Originally known as “multiple personality disorder,” it is...
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