What used to be known as multiple personality disorder, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), is characterized by having at least two distinct personalities. One of three main types of dissociative disorders defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), DID encompasses the full range of dissociative properties and is considered the most complicated and challenging.

Dissociative Identity Disorder Treatment Methods

Psychotherapy and medication are the primary dissociative identity disorder treatment methods. Hypnotherapy has also been found to have some success and is used in combination with psychotherapy at some dissociative identity disorder treatment centers. Though there is no cure for DID, these therapies are successful in reducing symptoms and making it manageable for most individuals.

Signs & Symptoms of Dissociative Identity Disorder

The most obvious symptom you might notice in individuals with dissociative identity disorder is a very clear distinction between two or more personalities. These personalities typically have different names, mannerisms, voices, and personal histories. Still, they can also have different genders, ethnicities, ages, and even varying physical differences such as walking with a limp, wearing glasses, etc. The person’s typical personality is called their “core,” while their additional personalities are called their “alters.” Individuals can have up to 100 alternative personalities, with one alter often taking on a primary role and being aware of all the other personalities.

Besides the obvious multiple personalities, the other primary signs of dissociative identity disorder are:

  • Dissociative amnesia – this is memory loss that is more significant than normal forgetfulness and not associated with another medical condition.
  • Dissociative fugue – a severe form of dissociative amnesia that specifically includes losing memory of your past or yourself personally. Typically a result of undergoing severe and extreme stress in a traumatic situation, a fugue can result in wandering off and starting a completely new life.
  • Blurred identity – feelings of multiple people living in your head or feelings of possession.

Additional symptoms of DID can include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Delusions
  • Drug or alcohol abuse
  • Suicidal thoughts or self-harm

Causes & Prevention

Despite some claims that DID is fantasy-based or a symptom of Borderline Personality Disorder, it is most commonly believed to be a response to a traumatic event, particularly childhood trauma.

Most often occurring in children who were victims of sexual or physical abuse, symptoms usually appear between the ages of 5 and 10. However, it often remains undiagnosed until adulthood because the symptoms can be confused with other behavioral disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD.)

Though abuse is the most common reason for DID, it can also develop in response to other traumatic events such as a natural disaster or combat.

DID is a way for a person’s mind to detach itself from trauma, so there is no way to prevent it. However, it remains a rare disorder, occurring in less than 1% of the population.

Dissociative Identity Disorder Treatment Guidelines

Various dissociative identity disorder treatment guidelines have been developed and tested over the years. The most current guidelines are published in the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation – Treatment Guidelines for Dissociative Identity Disorder in Adults. These guidelines recommend that dissociative identity disorder treatment facilities follow three phases of trauma-focused psychotherapy.

“In the first stage, clinicians focus on safety issues, symptom stabilization, and establishment of a therapeutic alliance. Failure to stabilize the patient or a premature focus on a detailed exploration of traumatic memories usually results in deterioration in functioning and a diminished sense of safety.

In the second stage of treatment, following the ability to regulate, affect and manage their symptoms, patients begin processing, grieving, and resolving trauma.

In the third and final stage of treatment, patients work to integrate their dissociative identities and become more socially engaged.”

Treatment Methods for DID

Dissociative identity disorder treatment methods are based on the dissociative identity disorder treatment guidelines set forth by the ISSTD, and they include psychotherapy, medication, and sometimes hypnosis.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy for dissociative identity disorder is the primary and most effective form of treatment used by clinicians. Also known as talk therapy or psychosocial therapy, the goal of psychotherapy is to understand the root cause of the disorder and to learn coping techniques.

Psychotherapy for dissociative identity disorder can be in the form of individual, family, or group therapy and is usually in the form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).

Medication

Medications can be particularly helpful in managing some of the symptoms of DID, such as depression and anxiety. Anti-anxiety medications, antipsychotic drugs, and antidepressants are some of the commonly used medications. There are no specific medications to cure the disorder itself.

Hypnosis

Hypnotherapy, which is a form of guided therapy, may be recommended in some situations to try and recover repressed memories.

Trained healthcare providers at dissociative identity disorder treatment facilities will guide you through the process and identify the right course of treatment for you.

Is There a Cure for DID?

Currently, there is no cure for DID, and a dissociative identity disorder treatment success rate can be difficult to quantify. However, with proper therapy and medication, individuals can learn to have better control over their behavior and the disorder can be manageable for most people. A strong support system of family, friends and healthcare providers with whom you can have open and honest communication is imperative.

Dissociative Identity Disorder Facts

DID is a complex and theoretically difficult disorder. Many dissociative disorders are likely misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed due to a lack of knowledge and acceptance of misinformation. Through developments in research tools and the willingness of researchers to acknowledge the importance of these disorders, our understanding of dissociative disorders is growing. Some important dissociative identity disorder facts:

  • 90% of people with dissociative identity disorder in the United States, Canada and Europe have experienced childhood neglect or abuse.
  • Women are more likely to be diagnosed with DID than men because their symptoms are more identifiable.
  • Men are more likely to exhibit violent behavior rather than the typical amnesia or fugue states.
  • DID is not a “fad”
  • DID is not rare
  • DID is not an iatrogenic disorder
  • DID is not the same entity as borderline personality disorder
  • DID treatment is not harmful to patients

Treatment Centers in Florida

If you are experiencing symptoms of dissociative identity disorder, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your concerns. If you are noticing these symptoms in your friend or loved one, encourage them to seek help and offer to go with them if it makes them more comfortable. There are dissociative identity disorder treatment centers in Florida that can help you or your loved one navigate the path to a productive and meaningful life.

Individuals suffering from DID with substance use disorder should seek dissociative identity disorder treatment centers in Florida that specialize in co-occurring disorders, such as St. Johns Recovery Place. Our professional medical staff is uniquely capable of handling both substance use and mental health conditions and we may be just the right place for you. Call our admissions office today at 833-397-3422 to find out more information.

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