...Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder) There are disorders in this world where people dissociate themselves from the world. This dissociation is a state of mind where a person becomes detached or separated from reality (Swartz, 2001). Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), is one of many of the dissociative disorders. This disorder specifically was previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder. It was known as Multiple Personality Disorder because of the multiple personalities or alters with people who have DID. They changed the name of the disorder because of the loss of memory when changing between identities. DID is a disorder that is very misunderstood, as well as, being controversial (Tartakovsky, 2013). This...
Words: 1763 - Pages: 8
...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...
Words: 1849 - Pages: 8
...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...
Words: 2657 - Pages: 11
...Dissociative Identity Disorder Porsha Castillo Belhaven University ABSTRACT This paper will focus on the mental disorder Dissociative Identity Disorder. It will follow the case study of JANE. The paper will include the hisroty of the disorder as well as treatment, and current research of the disorder. Dissociative Identity Disorder Rebecca, a 14 year old girl, presented to a hospital by her mother with a complaint of ‘behaving like a male’ for past 2 weeks. She was identifying herself as Mr. S. and dressed herself like a male. She was not recognizing her neighbors, relatives, or teachers anymore and her belongings as well. She was not able to recount her personal information either. Her mother also reported a significant and contrasting change in her behavior, like she had become stubborn, confident, outgoing and demanding during this period in contrast to her normal behavior. She developed interest in drawing and painting, would demand different types of fast food items, dresses, and certain objects in the altered state. Her mother fearing worsening of her illness readily fulfilled these demands. Rebecca stopped going to school and would stay at home all day long. Upon exploration, it was found that about 2 years back, her father and older sister had left the house to live separately from Rebecca and her mother. There was a strained relationship among the parents on the issue of not having a son. Since separation, there was no communication with them. Rebecca was...
Words: 2149 - Pages: 9
...Dissociative Identity Disorder Multiple Personality Disorder Nathan Coy Thompson Dissociative identity disorder (DID), previously referred to as multiple personality disorder, is a dissociative disorder involving a disturbance of identity in which two or more separate and distinct personality states (or identities) control an individual's behavior at different times. When under the control of one identity, a person is usually unable to remember some of the events that occurred while other personalities were in control. The different identities, referred to as alters, may exhibit differences in speech, mannerisms, attitudes, thoughts and gender orientation. The alters may even present physical differences, such as allergies, right-or-left handedness or the need for eyeglass prescriptions. These differences between alters are often quite striking. In clinical populations, the estimated prevalence of DID ranges from 0.5 to 1.0% (CA Ross 2006). In the general population, estimates of prevalence are somewhat higher, ranging from 1-5% . Females are more likely to receive a diagnosis of DID, at a ratio of 9:1. This author also contends that the disproportionately high number of females diagnosed with DID dispels the notion that incestual abuse is largely responsible for the development of DID. High percentages of individuals with DID have comorbid diagnoses of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or Borderline Personality Disorder. In addition, individuals diagnosed with DID...
Words: 1808 - Pages: 8
...Section A When we first meet Jack we learn that that he is a 30year old single white male complaining of insomnia for over 6 months. His job is a liability consultant for an automotive company that requires him to take frequent trips to different time zones which often leave him jet lagged. He goes to the doctor to get a prescription to help him sleep, but the doctor prescribes support groups for cancer patients, so that Jack could see what real suffering was. During one of his business trips he meets Tyler Durden, a nihilist soap salesman who is disgruntled with common culture. Eventually in the movie Tyler takes the fight club and turns it into Project Mayhem, which organizes increasingly serious anti-capitalism vandalism ventures. During one of these missions, a fight club member dies, and Jack tries to shut down the operation in Tyler’s absence. He retraces Tyler’s steps and learns that fight clubs have been started in every major city. It is in one of these cities that someone calls him Tyler. Jack calls Marla and begins to realize that Tyler is a split personality of his own personality. The Jack/Tyler character in Fight Club can’t but be considered mentally unbalanced when a proper comparison is made to the characteristics of those said to be in good mental health. Jack/Tyler simply doesn’t feel good about himself; which is seen in the beginning of the movie when he’s attending a series of support groups for people suffering from a variety of health problems. His...
Words: 1550 - Pages: 7
...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...
Words: 1928 - Pages: 8
...Multiple personality disorder is a disorder that is often confused with dissassociative identity disorder for the reason that they both are characterized by the disassociation that a patient/inflicted individual experience; however, multiple personality disorder holds itself a personal definition that suggests that it is a disorder in which 2 or more personalities exist within the inflicted individual, both of which taking turns in controlling the individual’s behavior and consciousness.1 Multiple personality disorder has been seen throughout all of history as different types of behavior, ranging from inappropriate to highly respected forms as the cultures in which they are recognized differ. In the Paleolithic era, shamans would often tell stories through cave paintings of their own experiences of animal embodiment, and such experiences are analyzed to be instances of MPD. Demonic possession in many cultures has also been attributed by researchers to misunderstandings of the behavior of individuals with Multiple Personality Disorder. It is important to note that the last two occurrences of MPD were actually, and in some places today, are still appreciated as established and reputable practices. The earliest reporting of a case of Multiple personality disorder was by a male named Eberhardt Gmelin in 1791, when he describes a young woman to have spoken French perfectly, and with an French accent when speaking German, but then she would seemingly turn into a German woman who could...
Words: 1481 - Pages: 6
...Dissociative Identity Disorder: Introduction “A man with one watch knows what time it is; a man with two watches is never quite sure.” By Lee Segall (http://www.quotegarden.com/philosophical.html) How can a man live with so much noise in their head, too many alternated voices that struggle to be the one? For me, the quote symbolizes what the disorder is which are too many options and too many multiple voices in one mind that disrupted one’s identity and psyche which can cause various problems. Dissociative identity disorder (DID) or formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD), is one of a group of conditions called dissociative disorders or dissociation(s). This condition is consider rare in the US which the approximated number of cases of 20K to 200K per year. (www.google.com) Dissociation is a mental process, which produces a lack of connection in a person's thoughts, memories, feelings, actions, or sense of identity. During the period of time when a person is dissociating, certain information is not associated with other information as it normally would be. Dissociation can be used as a defense mechanism or a coping mechanism that a person uses to disconnect from a stressful or traumatic situation or to separate traumatic memories from normal awareness. It is a way for a person to break the connection between the self and the outside world, as well as to distance oneself from the awareness of what is occurring. Dissociation can serve as a defense mechanism...
Words: 867 - Pages: 4
...Multiple personality disorder (MPD) or better known for its new name “dissociative identity disorder” (DID) is a mental disability where a patient has at least two distinctive personalities. This mental disability can be caused by many reasons, one most common reason is severe mental trauma caused physically, sexually, or emotionally during early childhood. Each different personality has there own distinctive name, age, and personality. Other may range from race, sex, and postures. A patient of DID may find themselves struggling with these multiples personalities and can jump from one to another. The most significant thing about DID is the patient will have no memories of what there other personalities have done an so won’t the personality have any awareness that they are a split personalities of someone else. In addition to DID, patients can also suffer from depression, mood swings, suicidal tendencies, sleep disorders, panic attacks, and eating disorders and so on. A patient of DID struggles with many mental disorders and will find themselves doing things they usually won’t do, like speeding or committing crimes. Some describes dealing with DID as being a passenger in their own body rather than the driver. the chances of getting DID is 0.1% to 1% of the general population. Still, more than 1/3 of people say they feel as if they're watching themselves in a movie at times, and 7% percent of the population may have undiagnosed dissociative disorder. DID can change a persons life...
Words: 372 - Pages: 2
...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...
Words: 293 - Pages: 2
...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...
Words: 1909 - Pages: 8
...Dissociative Identity Disorder: Abstract: The aim of this paper is to elucidate an in depth understanding of the phenomena of dissociative identity disorder. This piece was written while I was pursuing my certification in counseling and volunteering with social organizations dealing with specially abled individuals. The explanation delineated below seeks to bring out my understanding and perception of the subject. Meaning: Dissociative identity disorder is a psychiatric diagnosis explaining a condition whereby a person subconsciously exhibits multiple identities i.e. alter egos each distinct from the other behaving in its own manner independently from the others. It is necessary for atleast two personalities to take over a person for this disorder to occur. A person also has memory loss while he/she exhibits some other personality. This clearly means that a person is subconsciously getting a person into different personalities. Dissociative Identity Disorder is less common when compared to other dissociative disorders and occurs in about 1% of the dissociative cases. There have been many instances where the existence of dissociative identity disorder has been questioned. It is pertinent to note that dissociative identity disorder is diagnosed more commonly in North America in comparison to other areas of the world. Signs and symptoms: Patients who have been diagnosed with this disorder exhibit a lot of fluctuation in behavior and at times also show strange mannerisms. The main...
Words: 872 - Pages: 4
... qwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmrtyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmrtyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmrtyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmrtyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwe...
Words: 3198 - Pages: 13
...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...
Words: 1222 - Pages: 5
