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Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder

May 11, 2025

Lecture Notes on Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

Introduction

  • Sponsored by Newport HealthCare.
  • Focus on Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder.
  • Discusses Hollywood's portrayal vs. real-life experiences.

Guest Speaker

  • Dr. Bethany Brand
    • Clinical psychologist and professor at Towson University.
    • Specializes in trauma-related disorders, especially dissociative disorders.
    • Principal investigator of the TOPDD study on dissociative disorders.

Understanding DID

Definition

  • DID is a dissociative disorder in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses).
  • Involves having two or more dissociative self-states or identities.
  • Features dissociative amnesia for behaviors in different states.

Dissociation

  • Non-pathological dissociation: Common experiences, e.g., missing an exit while driving.
  • Pathological dissociation: Often linked to trauma, especially repetitive childhood trauma.
  • Involves disconnection from emotions, body, and memory.

Media Portrayals

  • Often inaccurate and stigmatizing, contributing to stereotypes and underdiagnosis.
  • Media often dramatizes personality switches, not reflective of reality.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

  • Severe depression, PTSD, substance abuse, eating disorders, and sleep problems are common.
  • Often misdiagnosed as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder due to overlapping symptoms.
  • Assessment requires trained professionals using validated measures.

Treatment

Stages

  1. Stabilization and Safety
    • Address self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and daily functioning.
    • Educate about trauma impacts.
  2. Trauma Processing
    • Gradually work through traumas, mindful of pacing.
    • Help patients understand and integrate their dissociative states.
  3. Reintegration and Life Skills
    • Focus on establishing healthy relationships and a fulfilling life.

Drug Therapy

  • Commonly includes antidepressants, anti-anxiety, and sometimes antipsychotics.
  • No specific drugs for treating dissociation.

Controversies and Misunderstandings

  • Some challenge the existence of DID or its link to trauma.
  • Avoidance of trauma discussion is common due to its uncomfortable nature.
  • DID found worldwide, supporting its legitimacy.

Brain Imaging and Research

  • Emerging studies show distinct brain network patterns in DID patients.
  • Differences noted between dissociative and traditional PTSD.

Self-diagnosis and Social Media

  • Increase in self-diagnosis through social media like TikTok.
  • Emphasizes need for professional assessment and evidence-based measures.

Prevalence and Resources

  • DID slightly more prevalent than bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
  • Seek trained professionals and consult resources like the ISSTD.

Future Directions

  • Need for more research on treatment, neurobiology, and potential biological markers.
  • Current studies like TOP-DD are exploring standardized interventions.

Conclusion

  • Ongoing research and understanding are crucial for better diagnosis and treatment of DID.
  • Contact Information: For more information on DID, visit ISSTD or listen to previous episodes of the "Speaking of Psychology" podcast.

Full transcript