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Dissociative Identity Disorder

Introduction

Dissociative Identity Disorder also known as Multiple Personality Disorder is a psychiatric disorder in which a person displays multiple identities which is known as 'alters'. Every identity has its own way of interacting with the environment (Christopher & Golson, pp. 16). These alters occur spontaneously and function independently of each other. The validity of this disorder is very controversial, though some evidence has been found in North America where people are frequently diagnosed of this disorder than the rest of the world (Gillig, pp. 19).

Symptoms of the Disorder

The presence of two or more different personalities is one of the main symptoms of this disease. This means that the person has two different personalities and he is influenced by them. Huge memory variations and the inability to recall the personal information are the symptoms of this disease. Apart from these symptoms, there are many other symptoms, as well. a person may suffer from mood swings, depression, sleep disorders, anxiety, panic attacks, eating disorders etc. The symptoms of this disease are not restricted. There are numerous symptoms by which it can be said that the person is suffering from dissociative identity disorder (Middleton & Butler, pp. 33). These symptoms include time loss, headache, amnesia. When a person is suffering from this disorder, he tends to do things that he does not do usually. Such activities include, stealing money from friends, drinking too much alcohol, reckless driving etc.

Causes

There is no specific cause behind this disorder except for the fact that the child might have been traumatized in his childhood which has led him to develop multiple personalities. The child, as he grows up, wants to get rid of such memories; therefore, he develops a second personality so that he can forget those memories. Another cause of DID maybe a family ...