...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
...Introduction: One of the most controversial psychiatric disorders; Dissociative identity disorder is a rare chronic condition, and is considered controversial due to the likely comorbidity with other mental conditions making diagnosis and treatment difficult. Formerly known as multiple personality disorder, dissociative identity disorder is one of a cluster of dissociative disorders. The dissociative disorders are a group of psychiatric conditions characterized by individuals experiencing an alteration of memory, consciousness, or identity for no natural reason. Individuals experience this escape from reality in ways that are involuntary and unhealthy causing problems with functioning in everyday life (Mayo Clinic, 2017). History: The...
Words: 1701 - Pages: 7
...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 What Is This Disorder Many personality disorders can come from child abuse, one of the more complex disorders is Dissociative Identity Disorder. “Dissociative identity disorder, formerly referred to as multiple personality disorder, is a condition wherein a person's identity is fragmented into two or more distinct personality states. People with this rare condition are often victims of severe abuse.” ( Psychology today 2017). This disorder starts off just as dissociation, which is the separation of normally related mental processes, resulting in one mental process functioning independently from the rest. “The different personality states usually have distinct names, identities, temperament, and self-image....
Words: 866 - Pages: 4
...Dissociative Identity Disorder The diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder has long been a controversial topic. (American Psychological Association Dictionary of Psychology 2015) It is my belief that things are sometimes controversial because they make others uncomfortable. This discomfort, in my opinion, can lead to false information, denial, fear and dismissal. I have never been someone who runs from discomfort. I try to embrace and understand it. This is what I have tried to do here with the research on dissociative identity disorder. There are a few reasons that this topic is of interest to me. First, trauma is prevalent in our country. It is a constant topic in my education, practicum and in the media. We discuss trauma informed...
Words: 1246 - Pages: 5
...Behavioral Disorders: What are they? There are all kinds of disorders that are considered a behavioral disorder. According to an article on the website ‘Study’, the definition of a behavioral disorder is “…a category of mental disorders that are characterized by persistent or repetitive behaviors that are uncommon among children of the same age, inappropriate, and disrupt others and their activities around the child.” Are behavioral disorders controllable by those that have them? Or are they just simple controlled by drug treatments? The term “Behavioral Disorder’ is a generic term. There are multiple branches of behavioral disorders. The main branches are Anxiety, Disruptive, Dissociative and Emotional Behaviors. There are additional smaller...
Words: 1487 - Pages: 6
...Abstract Dissociative Disorders is the disruption in the integrated functions of consciences, memory, identity, or perception of the environment. They are marked by a dissociation from or interruption of a person’s fundamental aspect of waking consciousness such as personal identity and one’s personal history. In this paper I will be discussing the main dissociative disorders, which are: Dissociative Amnesia, Dissociative Fugue, Dissociative Identity Disorder, and Depersonalization Disorder. All of the dissociative disorders are thought to stem from trauma experienced by the individual with the disorder. (Maser, 2000) Seen in a number of other mental illnesses, including post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder, symptoms of dissociative or even one or more of the disorders are shown. A cross-cultural perspective is particularly important in the evaluation of Dissociative Disorders because dissociative states are a common and accepted expression of cultural activities or religious experience in many societies. (Frances, 1994) Dissociative Amnesia The first disorder is Dissociative Amnesia which is characterized by an inability to recall important personal information, usually of a traumatic or stressful nature, that is too extensive to be explained by ordinary forgetfulness. This disorder is formerly known as Psychogenic Amnesia. Dissociative Amnesia involves a reversible memory impairment in which memories of personal...
Words: 960 - Pages: 4
...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...
Words: 2704 - Pages: 11
...Learning Objectives for: Somatic and Dissociative Disorders Readings for this topic include pages 152-160 (Somatic Symptoms Disorders) and pages 160-166, 169-171 (Dissociative Disorders) of chapter 6. Remember, information in addition to what is on the pages listed will be discussed in class for some of the objectives. 1) What types of thoughts and behaviors fall under the category of Somatic Symptom Disorders? (Note that you should be familiar with the behaviors associated with specific disorders, such as Conversion Disorders & Factitious Disorders, but you will only be responsible for knowing that these behaviors fall under the umbrella of Somatic Symptom Disorders, not knowing the specific diagnosis associated with a given behavior) i) Real or imagined somatic (physical) symptoms ii) Related abnormal thoughts, feelings, or behaviors a) Biopsychosocial Model i) Biological Factors 1) Physical symptom may be present ii) Social Factors 1) Greater cultural acceptance of physical than psychological problems 2) “Sick role” reinforcers 3) Social support b) Treatment i) Cogntivie Behavioral Therapy 1) Identify reinforcers and elimate or replace them 2) Change catastrophic thoughts 3) Identify and challenge misinterpretations ii) Biological 1) Antidepressants 2) Can Somatic Symptom Disorders include real bodily symptoms or do they...
Words: 596 - Pages: 3
... 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 from 2-100,...
Words: 2494 - Pages: 10
...self-mutilation) and treatments (such as hypnosis, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, somatic treatment and integration treatment) of dissociative identity disorder (DID) will be further discussed. II. Symptoms that may experienced by patients with DID. A. Loss of memory. 1. Memory deviation. 2. Various personality states have various memory fragments. B. Hallucinations. 1. Auditory hallucinations. 2. Visual hallucinations. C. Suicidal tendencies. 1. Terminate uncomfortable feeling. 2. High tolerance to endure pain. III. Treatments that may used for patients with DID. A. Hypnosis 1. Increase information about each identity state. 2. Control...
Words: 1620 - Pages: 7
...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
...well known psychiatrist. Most individuals shy away from understanding psychological disorders because of the stigma that surrounds them. Some disorders like anxiety and depression are swept under the rug while disorders like schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder are seen as dangerous. It is important to fully understand a mental illness and one illness that individual’s seem to lack knowledge of is dissociative identity disorder. Dissociative Identity Disorder, commonly referred to as just DID, is a dissociative disorder where people may “adopt as many as 100 new identifies, all simultaneously coexisting,...
Words: 1132 - Pages: 5
...In today’s society, it feels like anything could be turned into a meme, especially people’s mental illnesses. There seems to be a meme where the girlfriend tells her boyfriend to pick which “girl” he wanted that day, and her different moods equaled which “girl” she was going to be. This meme is trying to convey the idea that is dissociative identity disorder in its simple form. However, I do agree that people tend to behave differently base on the situation and who they are around. However, I do not agree with this meme saying that people can decide which personality they want to have a certain day. It seems that people tend to be confused what exactly it means to have dissociative identity disorder. I am going to inform you what the symptoms...
Words: 523 - Pages: 3
...Dissociative Identity Disorder Rebekah Cohen PSY-101-031 Bergen Community College Abstract Dissociative Identity Dissorder is a rare condition in which the brain splits the original personality into multiple identities as a coping mechanism for posttraumatic stress. An assortment of different personalities is created depending on what temperaments the person is missing, or is subconsciously recreating in their life. These “alters” can range from extremely aggressive to frail and weak, all without the control of the original personality. The person diagnosed with this disorder can suffer time loss due to the fact that they are not aware when another alter is present. Although there is no medication specifically for this exact disorder, there...
Words: 1770 - Pages: 8
