Dissociative Identity
Disorder
Definition
Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a
rare condition in which two or more distinct
identities, or personality states, are present
in—and alternately take control of—an
individual. Some people describe this as an
experience of possession. The person also
experiences memory loss that is too
extensive to be explained by ordinary
forgetfulness.
DSM-Definition
1. Two or more distinct identities or
personality states are present, each with its
own relatively enduring pattern of
perceiving, relating to and thinking about
the environment and self.
2. Amnesia must occur, defined as gaps in the
recall of everyday events, important
personal information and/or traumatic
events.
3. The person must be distressed by the
disorder or have trouble functioning in one
or more major life areas because of the
disorder.
4. The disturbance is not part of normal
cultural or religious practices.
5. The symptoms are not due to the direct
physiological effects of a substance (such as
blackouts or chaotic behavior during alcohol
intoxication) or a general medical condition
(such as complex partial seizures).
Risk Factors
People who experience long-term
physical, sexual or emotional abuse
during childhood are at greatest risk of
developing dissociative identity
disorder.
Children and adults who experience
other traumatic events, such as war,
natural disasters, kidnapping, torture, or
extended, traumatic, early-life medical
procedures, also may develop this
condition.
Treatments
The primary treatment for DID is long-
t...
