Dissociative Identity Disorder(DID) is a dramatic dissociative disorder in which a patient has two or more distinct identities that alternate in some way in taking control of behavior .(Butcher,Mineka, Hooley,2008) People with DID may adopt as many as 100 different identities, all simultaneously coexisting inside one body and mind. ( Durand and Barlow,2000)
The identity that is most frequently encountered is called the ‘host identity’ while the alternate personalities are called ‘alter identities’. The alter identities or subpersonalities may differ in unexpected ways involving gender,age, handedness, handwriting, sexual orientation, prescription for glasses, predominant affect, foreign languages spoken, and general knowledge. Alter Identities take control at different points in time and the switches occur quickly (most likely due to stress), that is in one or two seconds although more gradual switches can also occur. (Butcher, Mineka,Hooley, 2008)In reality, what we see in movies as the portraytal of individuals with DID is not at all accurate. The switches of split personalities shown in movies are longer just to have a more dramatic effect.In actual fact, when a person with DID switches from one identity to another, the people around them will most likely not be able to tell that a switch has occured.Generally there are three types of relationships between the subpersonalities. In mutually amnesic relationships, the subpersonalities have no awareness of one another.(Comer 2008; Ellenberger1970) On the contrary, in mutually cognizant patterns, each subpersonality is aware of the rest.They may hear one another’s voices and interact with each other, some are on good terms while others do not get along at all. In one-way amnesic relationships , which is the most common, some subpersonalities are aware of others, but the awareness is not mutual.(Comer 2008,Huntjens et al.,2005) Those that are aware are called co-conscious subpersonalities, they are”quiet observers” who watch the thoughts and actions of the other subpersonalities but do not interact with them. But in most cases,the alter identities are often disagreeing with each other and are opposite in character.This is because each personality have its own memories, patterns of behavior and social relationships that lead its behavior. (With reference from healthyplace.com/abuse/dissociative-identity-disorder/dissociative-identity-disorder-did-signs-and-symptoms/)
Normally, it is the host identity who carries the real name of the person and also is the one who is distressed and wants to ‘get rid of’(integrate) all his alternate personalities therefore seeking help from professionals.Other than the presence of more than one identity and significant amnesia, an individual with DID also posses symptoms such as depression, self mutilation, and frequent suicidal ideation and attempts.They often show moodiness and erratic behavior, headaches, hallucinations, substance abuse and posttraumatic symptoms. (Butcher, Mineka, Hooley, 2008; APA,2000; Maldonado et al. ,2002)
Dissociative Identity Disorder has similar symptoms with dissociative amnesia in terms of memory loss .For example, if you are a person with DID you will most probably have no recall of how you ended up in places or not remembering where you are and why you are there.Pretty scary huh? You will most likely also forget crucial events in your life or even important personal information.This is because people with dissociative identity disorder will most likely also have dissociative amnesia and dissociative fugue( suddenly travelling and disappearing from home or work with a purpose in mind but with no memory of some or of all of one’s past).
If you have experienced these kinds of situations and you want to know whether you might have DID or not , then you can just attempt the DID test by clicking on this link right HERE
If your Dissociative Experiences Scale(score from the test) is high, be sure to seek professional help to obtain a more accurate diagnosis, do not be ashamed or embarrassed to do so.
One thing to keep in mind is that these DID symptoms mentioned are not due to alcohol or other drugs, or a medical condition. As for children, just because they have Imaginary friends or engage in fantasy play does NOT mean they have DID.
Children are rarely diagnosed with DID, this is because patients are normally diagnosed when they are in their 20s or 30s but rare does not mean impossible and there are certain signs to look out for in children to determine whether they have DID. The signs are: When the child always appears to be withdrawn, frightened or uninvolved, whether in school or at home; They may know certain things that you don’t expect a child to know(unpredictable and surprising knowledge)that manifests as fluctuating abilities,mood,fears,preferences and anxieties; Inappropriate sexual behavior; They might commit delinquent acts or status offenses such as truancy and running away from home(with reference from //jlc.org/delinquent-actoffense) ;They might also have sudden feelings of guilt and shame . (Taken with reference from healthyplace.com/abuse/dissociative-identity-disorder/dissociative-identity-disorder-did-signs-and-symptoms/)
The issue of possible untrue or malingering origins has interfered in the diagnosis of DID for at least a century. One obvious situation in which the issue really becomes critical is when defendants and their attorneys use DID as an excuse to try to escape punishment for their crimes.(Butcher, Mineka, Hooley, 2008) The term malingering means to pretend to be sick or injured to avoid doing work. So you may be wondering , ‘How exactly are clinical professionals supposed to diagnose DID when anybody could claim to have It or malinger?’
This is where the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition)comes In. The DSM-5 is the newest guide used in psychiatry to diagnose mental disorders , released by the APA in 2013.
The DSM-5 gives the following diagnostic criteria for Dissociative Identity Disorder: Code 300.14 “
A. Disruption of identity characterized by two or more distinct personality states, which may be described in some cultures as an experience of possession. The disruption of marked discontinuity in sense of self and sense of agency, accompanied by related alterations in affect, behavior, consciousness, memory, perception, cognition, and/or sensory-motor functioning. These signs and symptoms may be observed by others or reported by the individual. B. Recurrent gaps in the recall of everyday events, important personal information, and/or traumatic events that are inconsistent with ordinary forgetting.
C. The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
D. The disturbance is not a normal part of a broadly accepted cultural or religious practice. Note: In children, the symptoms are not better explained by imaginary playmates or other fantasy play.
E. The symptoms are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., blackouts or chaotic behavior during alcohol intoxication) or another medical condition (e.g., complex partial seizures).
( This excerpt was taken from the website:traumadissociation.com/dissociativeidentitydisorder)
If you are still a tad bit curious about malingering, go on ahead and watch this short clip from ‘ The Dr Phil Show’.