![]() Those with DID may also feel shame about their experiences, and be reticent to discuss their disassociate symptoms or history of trauma. ![]() It may be difficult for families to parse through the signs and symptoms of their loved ones, as most people with DID have multiple diagnoses that impact their mood, behaviors, thoughts, and cognitions. The individual with DID may have little or no insight into these triggers or shifting states. For example, the loved one may identify that certain environmental or social cues initiate the shift in personality state. Certain triggers or stressors in their environment may become apparent. An individual with DID may deny doing or saying things that were clearly witnessed by the loved one. 3,4įamily and loved ones may observe startling and sudden changes in behavior of the person with DID. The often-dramatic shifting of personality states commonly portrayed in the mass media are not accurate of most people’s experiences, and unfortunately contribute to a stigmatization of the disorder. It is important to note that these states of shifting or switching are not always readily apparent or noticeable to others. The loss of volitional control over this process can make some people feel helpless, embarrassed, and out of control. However, commonly reported symptoms of this “switching” stage are dizziness, fatigue, feelings of co-awareness of two or more personality states, and a sensation of spinning or zoning out. Each individual has differing levels of awareness and insight into this process, and varying levels of acceptance and feelings about their disorder. The subjective experience of dissociation that leads to the switching of personality states varies by person. 1 Dissociative Identity Disorder Signs & Symptoms The DSM-4 chose to rename multiple personality disorder to re-conceptualize the disorder as a lack of a singular, unified identity, rather than multiple, discrete, personalities. Some individuals refer to their other personalities as “alters” furthering a distinction of them as separate distinct personas. This disorder is also commonly referred to colloquially as split personality disorder, due to the “splitting” of personalities and apparent lack of awareness or memory in between personality shifts or splits. These changes are often ego-dystonic, or inconsistent with the individual’s core identity, causing significant distress. The personalities often have different traits, thoughts, behaviors, preferences, speech, food, and dress. 1,2ĭID was once termed multiple personality disorder in prior versions of the DSM, due to the distinct personality states characteristic of the disorder. It is estimated that 1.5% of US and global populations experience DID. These disorders are commonly unhealthy coping mechanisms that stem from trauma, which leads to maladaptive escaping from one’s reality or avoidance of traumatic memories. Dissociation is defined as a disconnection from self or one’s surroundings, and is part of the symptom criteria for PTSD and other trauma related disorders. What Is Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)?ĭID is a dissociative disorder that involves a disconnection from reality and discontinuity between one’s behaviors, thoughts, and memories.
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