...Statistical Manual (DSM) calls Dissociative Identity Disorder, but they may not know they have it (Smith, 2009). General awareness of Dissociative Identity Disorder or Multiple Personality Disorder could help people put a name to the symptoms that characterize this disorder. Individuals who have Multiple Personality Disorder, which is found in the DSM as a Dissociative Disorder, present a chronic, dissociative psychopathology indicated by memory distortion or loss and changes in personality or identity caused by a traumatic experience (Kluft, 1991). Even now, Multiple personality disorder is a contested topic among...
Words: 998 - Pages: 4
...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...
Words: 1565 - Pages: 7
...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
...Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a controversial subject that has persisted since its existence. DID is defined as the “the presence of two or more personality states or distinct identities that repeatedly take control of an individual’s behaviour so that he or she has an inability to recall certain memories or important personal information.” (Reed-Gavish, M., 2013). The person’s many identities may have names, different life stories and differences in mannerisms (Mayo Clinic). Psychologists and mental health professionals are in dichotomy with one another on the subject. Some believe that DID is a serious disorder that is not taken seriously enough. These professionals believe that the disorder is caused by trauma in childhood. They,...
Words: 1327 - Pages: 6
...Dissociative Disorders An Overview The core concept of the Dissociative Disorders is a temporary disruption in the normally integrated functions of memory, identity, or consciousness, leading to amnesia, feelings of depersonalization, or multiple personalities in the same individual. For example, a person’s sense of identity changes along with their memories, feelings, and perceptions. They experience a loss in connections or parts of their identity are buried or compartmentalized. What Causes Dissociative Disorders? These disorders are controversial and their causes are not really known. Core Concepts A temporary disruption in the normally integrated functions of memory, identity, or consciousness, leading to amnesia, feelings of depersonalization, or multiple distinct personalities in the same individual. Key Definitions Anterograde amnesia – the inability to form new memories after the condition producing amnesia occurs. Dissociation – The splitting off of a group of mental processes from conscious awareness. Depersonalization – feeling detached from the self (as if watching ). Derealization – objects suddenly change dimensions, appearance, or location (i.e, one’s home becomes unfamiliar). Identity confusion – Unsure of own identity and who one is. Identity alteration – person’s behavior suggests they have assumed a new identity. Ego-dystonic – Thoughts, affect, and behavior elements of an individual’s personality that are...
Words: 575 - Pages: 3
...All in One Hour? Sylvia Caggiano ENG125: Introduction to Literature Peter Kunze January 21, 2013 All in One Hour Tristan Bernard’s one-act play hit quite close to home with me. It presented a situation I have faced quite a few times in my marriage. Very often, I tell my husband that our life is like a farce. My husband, Dave, like Henri, likes going to the races and I do not. Unlike Henri, Dave wants me to accompany him. I will take the formalist approach in analyzing this play. Here is where the humor and hilarity come together in our lives as it did in “I’m Going’. What may seem to be ‘improbable situations, exaggeration, and (often) ridiculous antics’, are almost commonplace in my home. (Clugston, 2010) Though this play takes place in Paris, the real setting is no different from any home. The conversation is in the comfort of their home. It could be anyone’s home, mine yours, or our instructor’s home. This makes the scene personable and memorable for the reader. The plot is intriguing because it makes one wonder who will win out. It made me wonder just how he would get out of taking Jeanne to the races with him. In my home, the question would be how I would get out of going to the casino with Dave, my husband. Henri employs one tactic after the other trying to get out of taking Jeanne along. Henri told Jeanne, “it’s going to rain… and ‘you'd spoil your dress… you won't have a good time.’” Jeanne refuted each of those excuses. Henri then...
Words: 732 - Pages: 3
...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...
Words: 750 - Pages: 3
...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
...Hope is something everyone needs. To be without hope is to have a dismal future. Without hope, there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Hope is something that everyone needs when there is nothing they can do in a seemingly miserable situation. I was placed in this position not too long ago. It was like any other day, I was walking home from school with my siblings. When I entered through the front door, I instantly felt a sense of tension in the air. My mom, older brother, aunt, uncle, and grandparents were all sitting in the living room, with looks of weightiness upon their faces. My mother told me and my little brothers to have a seat next to her. We sat down and she grabbed my hand, then she told me the horrible news. She told us that she had Cervical Cancer. The announcement struck my heart to the core, the tears started to gradually fall from my eyes. Those were the tears of a broken heart. They started flowing until there are no more tears left to express my pain. Once I finally stop crying my mother gave me big hug and looked at me and said everything was going to be okay. From that day on I told myself that would be her rock, and she could depend on me. Months have passed, and I have gone to every surgery and chemotherapy appointment my mother has had. The first month had went by like a breeze, it really did seem like she was going to come out of this healthier than she went in. As the second month started to approach, I started seeing changes in my mom. She...
Words: 699 - Pages: 3
...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
...Flora Rheta Schreiber’s novel Sybil weaves the true tale of a remarkable young woman possessed by severe multiple personality disorder. Sybil’s body is home to sixteen personalities, all with different personas, speech patterns, behavior tendencies, language abilities, and even different genders. As a child, Sybil began to distance herself from the abuse she suffered from her mother Hattie, a suspected paranoid schizophrenic, thus creating each personality to escape her reality. Throughout her entire life Sybil struggled with “losing time” and often woke up with no knowledge of what she had been doing for days, weeks, months, and at times even years. Upon bringing her own mother to a physician, Sybil is referred to see a psychologist after she describes her “loss of time” to Dr. Hall. On August 10, 1945 at 2 PM Sybil first meets Dr. Wilbur. Despite Sybil knowing that she needs help with her nervousness and loss of time, she often fears that she reveals too much to her psychologist and often disguises her problem before Dr. Wilbur can provide substantial help. Dr. Wilbur suggests Sybil be psychoanalyzed at a local hospital, the very thing that Sybil’s parents fear, suspecting that the doctor will be the devil himself. However, Sybil was determined to receive proper care despite what her mother, father, and pastor advised. Yet on a scheduled appointment day in October, Sybil comes down with a severe fever causing Hattie to contact Dr. Wilbur’s office to cancel Sybil’s appointment...
Words: 328 - Pages: 2
...English 080 A death in all its own Looking at me now, can you see the hell I’ve been through? No you can’t because I know I hide my dance with hell particularly well. You would never think to expect the women you see now ever had a brush with heroin. I’m not even sure I want to tell this story; but it needs to be told. Every person lives through things differently; every person handles different situations in their own way. My story will not be the same as the next, I imagine this is the very reason I chose to tell it. Not every relationship is butterflies and rainbows. Abuse is not always physical; it can be emotional and mental as well. How many times can someone get pushed down every time they try to get back up? Before they stop trying and decide to just lay there? He hit me; sliced my tires when I tried to leave; locked me away from my daughters; pushed me into a wall when I was seven months pregnant with our son; threw me up against steps and almost broke my back. The list of things that were done to me by him can go on and on. I won’t go into it all. See he was addicted to all different types of drugs and had anger issues worse then a hurricane. He got me started into all of it. Yes I had the choice to make. When it comes to either do this or never see your children again; you do what you are told, especially when you know if you don’t the worst will happen. That “relationship” already had me feeling like there was no way...
Words: 1048 - Pages: 5
...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
..."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...
Words: 1080 - Pages: 5
...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...
Words: 334 - Pages: 2