Dissociative identity disorder (DID), formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder, is a mental disorder characterized by at least two distinct and relatively enduring personality states. These states, referred to as “alters” may each possess a unique pattern of perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the environment and self.
Common features of DID include memory problems, difficulties with impulse control, and often drastic changes in behavior and mood.
There are currently four distinct types of DID that are identified, based on the severity of the symptoms.
The first is known as isolated symptom syndrome, in which the individual displays only a few mild symptoms of DID, such as dissociative amnesia, depersonalization, or derealization.
The second type is known as integrated DID and is characterized by integration between multiple alters into a single personality, as well as periods of time where the individual is able to function within the expectations of everyday life.
The third type is called complex DID, which is more severe than the preceding two types. It is characterized by more severe dissociative symptoms, as well as amnesia, depersonalization, and/or derealization.
Additionally, there may be at least two distinct and independent alters present simultaneously in this type of DID.
The fourth and most severe type of DID is called severe DID, and is characterized by frequent and chaotic transitions between alters, as well as very severe dissociative symptoms. This type of DID usually requires extensive psychotherapy and medication to effectively treat.
Table of Contents
What are the four types of dissociative disorders?
Dissociative disorders are mental health conditions that cause an individual to experience disruptions or breakdowns in their thoughts, memories, emotions, and/or identity. Symptoms of dissociative disorders can include depersonalization, derealization, amnesia, and identity confusion.
The Distressing Dissociative Disorders typically include four distinct categories:
1. Dissociative Identity Disorder (previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder): This is the most dramatized and well-known dissociative disorder. It is characterized by an individual presenting with two or more distinct and separate identities or personality states, which can switch periodically or even spontaneously.
2. Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder: This disorder is characterized by feelings of detachment or disconnection from one’s body, mind, emotions, environment, or physical sensations. During periods of depersonalization, a person may feel as if they are in a dream-like state, as if their life isn’t real, or as if they are observing themselves from an outside perspective.
Similarly, during periods of derealization, a person may feel as if the environment is fake or altered in some way, as if they are viewing the world through a fog or a haze.
3. Dissociative Amnesia: This is a condition characterized by an inability to recall important personal information, experiences, and memories of the past. It can involve forgetting specific events, people, or periods of time, and can range in severity from difficulty remembering simple everyday facts to an inability to remember entire parts of one’s life.
4. Dissociative Fugue: While rare, this disorder involves individuals literally forgetting who they are and taking on a new identity with typically little or no idea of the life they led prior to the fugue.
During a fugue, an individual may travel to unfamiliar places, go by a new name, and become so immersed in a new identity that they only remember their original identity upon their return.
What medication is for dissociation?
Dissociative medications, also known as antipsychotics, can be prescribed to treat dissociation. These medications help the person to feel less disconnected from important aspects of daily life and can help reduce symptoms such as depersonalization, derealization, and dissociation from physical and emotional experiences.
Commonly prescribed medications include aripiprazole (Abilify), clozapine (Clozaril), olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), and risperidone (Risperdal). These medications generally take about two to four weeks to become effective, but are usually stopped when symptoms improve.
It is important to note that there are potential side-effects associated with these medications, such as weight gain and decreased libido, so it is important to discuss any potential concerns with a physician prior to taking them.
Additionally, it is important to work with a mental health professional in order to ensure that the medication is being taken as prescribed and that other treatments, such as talk therapy, are in place to help address the root cause of the dissociative disorder.
How can you tell if you DID?
In order to determine if you have successfully completed a task, it is important to review the criteria that you have established for the task. This will help you to understand what expectations you need to meet in order to consider the task as successfully completed.
If the criteria is met, then you can declare yourself as having successfully completed the task. Additionally, it is helpful to reflect on the process and assess if the task was done to your own satisfaction.
This can include asking yourself what worked well, what could be improved, and how the task compares to your own standards. This can help to give you confidence in your own work and a better understanding of the success of the task.
How do you know if you are dissociated?
Dissociation is a condition in which an individual becomes disconnected from reality, their sense of identity, and their environment. It can manifest itself in a variety of ways depending on the person.
Common symptoms of dissociation include difficulty concentrating or paying attention, feeling disconnected from oneself or one’s body, memory problems, and an altered sense of time (feeling time move faster or slower than usual).
People who are experiencing dissociation may also feel detached from their emotions and physical sensations, have a sense of dissimilarity in their environment, perceive reality differently than usual, experience distorted perceptions of people or objects, and have difficulty making decisions.
It is important to note that dissociation is not the same as psychosis or mental illness, and it is important to seek help and treatment if the symptoms are affecting your life and relationships. Treatment often involves therapy and medication to address underlying issues causing the dissociation, such as trauma, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues.
What is a dissociative episode like?
A dissociative episode can be an intense and distressing experience. It typically involves a sudden and profound change in the experience of the environment and oneself. During a dissociative episode, one may feel disconnected from their immediate surroundings, have a sense of detachment, or feel like they are in a dream-like state.
They may experience changes to their perception of reality, memories, identity, or body image. They may feel unable or limited in their ability to think clearly, remember details, or complete tasks. During a dissociative episode, one’s senses may become blurred or distorted, and they may see, hear, or feel things that are not actually present.
Some people may feel numb or experience physical or emotional pain without an obvious cause. In addition, they may become easily overwhelmed, have difficulty concentrating, or feel restricted in the ability to express their emotions.
Individuals may also feel intense fear, confusion, or anxiety during a dissociative episode.
How do they test you for DID?
The most common way to diagnose Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is through an evaluation process with a trained mental health professional. This process can include an interview, psychological testing, and a review of any medical or psychological records.
During the interview, the mental health professional will typically ask questions about your symptoms, such as your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. They will also inquire about your past experiences and family history.
By carefully listening to your story and considering the available information, the mental health professional can make an assessment about the presence of DID.
Psychological testing may also be used as part of the evaluation process. The mental health professional may use tests such as self-report surveys and projective tests, which use stories and images to evaluate underlying feelings and beliefs.
These tests may be used to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in more detail.
In addition to the interview and psychological tests, the mental health professional might review any relevant medical or psychological records, such as psychological evaluations, healthcare records, school records, or medical documents.
This can provide a more comprehensive understanding of your history and any symptoms you may have experienced.
Upon completing the evaluation process, the mental health professional will make a diagnosis. They may diagnose DID if they believe you have experienced multiple distinct personality states and a reduced ability to remember significant information.
What types of DID alters are there?
Generally speaking, there are four types of alters typically associated with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Each type of alter carries its own characteristics, manifest differently in each person, and usually play an important role within a DID system.
The first type of alter is a protector. Protector alters often have an internal self-preservationist goal and act as the bodyguard of the DID system, often taking the shape of a physical protector, like a warrior or a knight.
Protectors do not necessarily fight physical encounters, but instead serve as a defense against psychological, emotional, and spiritual attacks.
The second type of alter is the persecutor. Persecutor alters take on the role of the abuser, either in a real or in a fantasy form. Similar to protector alters, persecutor alters can take on a physical form to protect the system from outside threats.
The third type of alter is the internal helper. The internal helper alters are a positive force that can help with positive and negative thoughts as well as providing an internal source of comfort and support.
The fourth type of alter is the part of self. This type of alter often takes on the identity of the core self and can provide wisdom, support, guidance, and comfort to the other alters in the system.
There are, of course, a variety of other alters that can exist, such as free-floating, incubated, spiritual, gatekeeper and others. These may or may not be present within a DID system. Ultimately, those living with DID may encounter alters that present differently from those outlined above and any combination of alters can provide support and stability to the individual.
What are the most common alters in DID?
The most common alters seen in people with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) are alters that manifest with different roles, emotions, and characteristics. These alters can range from childlike, to young adult, to adult, to elderly.
Common roles include an inner “protector” who takes on a guardian role and is often responsible for the more hostile behaviors; a “limited executive,” usually responsible for regulating the behaviors and communication among the alters; and a “master” who serves as a “boss” of the system.
Some people have a single “alter” who is the dominant personality.
Besides having different roles, alters will also have different characteristics, such as gender, age, name, and surface personality characteristics. People with DID typically have emotion-based alters, such as “happy”, “angry”, “fearful”, and “sad” that may come out when the individual is feeling those emotions.
Finally, it is important to note that each individual’s alters and symptoms are unique and can range from mild to severe.
What is a gatekeeper alter DID?
A Gatekeeper alter DID (dissociative identity disorder) is a dissociative identity disorder in which one or more alternate personalities act as emotional “gatekeepers” for the main host personality. The gatekeepers usually take on roles of protection, keeping the host personality’s underlying traumas, memories, or other emotional content out of conscious awareness to help the host cope and stay functioning.
The gatekeepers may be responsible for managing the other alters or choosing when and how to present them to the host. Some gatekeepers may also function as distractions in order to prevent an alter from gaining too much control when it is not appropriate.
Depending on the individual, different levels of conscious awareness and active control may be experienced by the main host personality and the gatekeeper personality. The gatekeeper alter may also be referred to as a protector, a negotiator, or an intermediary.
How do alters get their names?
Alters, a term often used in connection with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), can get their names in a variety of ways. In some cases, an alter may consider themselves to have existed prior to the formation of a DID system, in which case they might have a chosen name that they have used in past lives or through spiritual contact.
In other cases, an alter can pick a name that they like that has no particular special meaning or connotation, or perhaps it may come to them in a dream. Some alters may be named for an emotion or a feeling, such as “Fear” or “Joy”, or a characteristic, like “Brave” or “Humble”.
It could even be a symbolic name from a movie, book, or game, such as “Harry Potter,” “Spongebob Squarepants,” or “Mario. ” Other alters may take the name of someone in their life who had a profound impact on them, and may keep the name for life.
Lastly, some alters can be more spontaneous with their name, and simply create something that comes to mind or feel imaginative and whimsical in their choice. Regardless of how an alter gets its name, it is often deeply personal and meaningful to them.
Can you have DID without trauma?
Yes, you can have Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) without trauma. It is an often misunderstood mental illness, and while trauma is a common contributing factor, it is not necessary to have DID. While commonly associated with childhood trauma, DID may often occur in those who have had no history of trauma, or those who have had less traumatic events occur in their lives.
Additionally, trauma is not the only contributing factor to the development of DID, and research has found that severe stressors like neglect and emotional abuse can also lead to the development of DID.
How common is DID OSDD?
Dissociative Identity Disorder, also known as DID or Multiple Personality Disorder, is a relatively rare but serious mental health condition. However, its lesser known cousin, OSDD (other specified dissociative disorder) is much more common.
OSDD is a mental health condition that is characterized by symptoms of Dissociative Identity Disorder, but the individual does not meet the full criteria for the diagnosis, so it is labeled as OSDD. While research is still limited, it is estimated that about 1-3% of the population has OSDD.
This is similar to the prevalence rate for DID, which is estimated to affect about 1-3% of the population.
What is a fragmented alter?
A fragmented alter is a type of dissociative identity disorder (DID) in which a person experiences what is known as fragmentation of their personality. Generally, the person may hold more than one distinct identity, or alter, and each of the alters can vary in age, gender, and nature.
As these different parts emerge and take control over the person’s behavior, the other parts are made less aware and conscious of what is going on. An individual may also form fragmented alters and transition quickly between them.
Fragmented alters can be highly variable and different from one another. For example, a single individual may have multiple alters who are personalities related to motherhood and childlike behavior, as well as others related to addiction, anger, or the individual’s creative side.
Fragmented alters are unique to each individual and may include written voices, and holophrases that are unable to differentiate between past and present.
Can a person with DID have non human alters?
Yes, it is possible for people with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) to have non-human alters. Research suggests that DID can include a wide range of alternate identity states, including those that are not human in form.
For example, some individuals with DID may have animal-like alters, while others may report having features of inanimate objects such as dolls or machines. It is thought that the phenomenon of non-human alters relates to their creator’s need to capture aspects of their traumatic experience in a way that distorts and expands upon the reality of what actually happened.
Non-human alters may be a defense mechanism used to avoid the intense pain or emotions associated with traumatic events. In some cases, non-human alters also serve to provide a sense of control and mastery within an otherwise chaotic and vulnerable reality.
