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Lecture on Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

Jul 16, 2024

Lecture on Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

Introduction

  • Speaker: Jessica, a third-year clinical and health psychologist
  • Jessica diagnosed with DID two years ago
  • Known about multiple personalities since age six
  • Goal: Raise awareness about DID and correct common misconceptions

Overview of Topics

  1. Definition and explanation of dissociation and DID
  2. Personal experiences with DID
  3. Misconceptions about DID
  4. Symptoms and diagnostic criteria
  5. Impact on daily life
  6. Therapy and treatment options
  7. Evidence supporting the validity of DID

What is Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)?

  • Often confused with schizophrenia; they are distinct disorders
  • DID is a dissociative disorder, not a psychotic or personality disorder
  • Associated with the presence of two or more distinct personalities (alters)
  • Alters may live in complex inner worlds and have distinct characteristics
  • Alters can be triggered by specific events or emerge spontaneously
  • Key symptom: Amnesia or memory loss for periods when another alter is in control

Misconceptions about DID

  • Not the same as schizophrenia
  • Not a personality disorder
  • Not linked to imaginary friends or fantasy play in children
  • Not commonly used as an insanity defense in criminal cases
  • Alters are not fashion statements or trends

Symptoms and Diagnostic Criteria (DSM)

  1. Presence of two or more distinct identities
  2. Inability to recall important personal information
  3. Significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas
  4. Not attributable to substance abuse or other medical conditions

Jessica's Personal Experience with Alters

  • Four known alters: Jamie (23, protector), Eddie (25, persecutor), Jake (21, emotional), Holly (10, child-like)
  • Alters have distinct handwriting, accents, preferences, and even medical conditions
  • Each alter fulfills specific roles and has unique characteristics

Living with DID

  • Challenges include managing memory lapses and ensuring alters’ needs are met
  • Alters can cause significant life interruptions and difficulties
  • Example given: varying dietary preferences and managing daily routines

Therapy and Treatment

  • Controversy over the existence and treatment of DID
  • Two main treatment approaches:
    1. Co-consciousness and communication: Encouraging cooperation among alters
    2. Integration: Merging alters into a single identity (controversial)
  • No specific medication for DID, only for comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression

Scientific Evidence for DID

  • Brain scans show differences in brain activity when different alters are in control
  • Studies show changes in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex among other areas
  • Biological evidence supports the legitimacy of DID as a distinct disorder

Conclusion

  • DID is a complex and real disorder requiring understanding and proper treatment
  • Importance of raising awareness and educating future psychologists
  • Encouragement to avoid dismissing DID due to personal disbelief

Q&A Session

  • Scheduled after a brief break

Full transcript