Dissociative identity disorder (previously known as multiple personality disorder or M.P.D) is thought to be a complex psychological condition that is likely caused by many factors, including severe trauma during early childhood (usually extreme, repetitive physical, sexual, or emotional abuse).
What Is Dissociative Identity Disorder?-
Dissociative identity disorder is a severe form of dissociation, or a mental process which produces a lack of connection in someone's thoughts, memories, feelings, actions, or sense of identity. Dissociative identity disorder is thought to stem from a combination of factors that may include trauma experienced by the person with the disorder. The dissociative aspect is thought to be a coping mechanism - the person literally shuts off or dissociates themselves from a situation or experience that's too violent, traumatic, or painful to assimilate with their conscious self.
Who Is At Risk for D.I.D?-
Researchers indicate that the cause of D.I.D is likely a psychological response to interpersonal and environmental stresses, particularly during early childhood years when emotional neglect or abuse may interfere with personality development. As many as 99% of individuals who develop dissociative disorders have recognized personal histories of recurring, overpowering, and often life-threatening disturbances or traumas at a sensitive developmental stage of childhood (usually before age 6).
Dissociation may also happen when there has been persistent neglect or emotional abuse, even when there has been no overt physical or sexual abuse. Findings show that in families where parents are frightening and unpredictable, the children may become dissociative. Studies indicate D.I.D affects about 1% of the population.
How to Recognize Dissociative Identity Disorder and Its Associated Mental Disorders-
Dissociative identity disorder is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct or split identities or personality states that continually have power over the person's behavior. With dissociative identity disorder, there's also an inability to recall key personal information that is too far-reaching to be explained as mere forgetfulness. With dissociative identity disorder, there are also highly distinct memory variations, which may fluctuate.
What are the other “Alters” or “Sides” of Dissociative?-
Although not everyone experiences D.I.D the same way, for some the "alters", “sides” or different identities have their own age, sex, or race. Each has their own postures, gestures, and distinct way of talking. Sometimes the alters are imaginary people, sometimes they are animals. As each personality reveals itself and controls the individuals' behavior and thoughts, it's called "switching." Switching can take seconds to minutes to days. Some seek treatment with hypnosis where the person's different "alters" or identities may be very responsive to the therapist's requests.
Problems with D.I.D-
Significant memory loss of specific times, people and events. Out-of-body experiences, such as feeling as though you are watching a movie of yourself. Mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide. A sense of detachment from your emotions, or emotional numbness. Sometimes Alters or Sides will fight for the front and by front meaning who is in control of the body or vessel.
How to help with D.I.D disorder-
Supporting a Friend with Dissociative Identity Disorder- While it can be challenging to know the best way to help someone with dissociative identity disorder, making an effort to understand your friend’s experiences and seek out advice is a great first step. There are a few key ways you can help someone with dissociative identity disorder:
Stay Calm During Switches-
In many cases, switching between alters happens very subtly. However, sometimes the change can be more dramatic and disorienting. One moment you’re talking to your friend and in the next moment, it’s as if an entirely different person is inhabiting their body. While this situation may be stressful and surprising, remaining level headed and meeting your friend where they are mentally can be enormously helpful. As confusing as witnessing a switch can be for an outsider, it’s often even more upsetting for the person experiencing it directly, especially if they are met with hostility or fear.
Learn How to Recognize and Avoid Triggers-
For people with dissociative identity disorder, personality shifts are brought on by “triggers,” or external stimuli that cause them to switch between alters. Individuals with this condition may be triggered by anything that elicits a strong emotional response, including certain places, smells, sounds, senses of touch, times of the year or large groups of people. These triggers are highly individual and can vary dramatically depending on the specific trauma that caused a person to develop dissociative identity disorder. Your job is to find out what triggers your friend - either by asking them directly or observing their behavior - and help them avoid those triggers when possible.
Lastly Take Care of Yourself, Too-
Being close to someone with dissociative identity disorder can be emotionally taxing. It can be difficult to stay vigilant of triggers and different alters. Often, people with this condition have been through intensely traumatic experiences, usually in childhood, and hearing about these experiences can be difficult. The best way you can serve your friend is to make sure that you’re tending to your own physical and mental well-being.