What Is DID? An Overview
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a mental health condition in which an individual displays multiple distinct identities or personalities that each control the individual’s behavior at different times. The disorder is associated with long-term, severe trauma during a person’s formative years, and the symptoms of DID often develop after the trauma. People with DID may not recall many of the traumatic events that led to their development of the disorder.
DID is a serious mental illness with a wide range of unique symptoms, including memory loss, depression, dissociation, feelings of detachment and confusion. It is thought to affect up to 1 percent of the population in the United States, and is particularly common in individuals with a history of trauma or abuse.
The Symptoms of Dissociative Identity Disorder
The most noticeable sign of DID is the presence of multiple distinct personalities or identities. These may manifest as different parts of the individual’s personality that take control of their behavior at different times (known as “switching”). Switching is a symptom that is particularly upsetting to both the individual and those who interact with them.
Other symptoms may include difficulty remembering certain episodes (amnesia) or information about themselves and their past, depersonalization (a feeling of detachment from the self), derealization (a feeling of detachment from the environment), difficulty concentrating, and visual disturbances. A person with DID may also experience fluctuations in their mood and behavior, as well as physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems, and general physical pain.
Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder
Most people with DID require long-term treatment. Treatment of DID often involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and complementary or alternative approaches—such as mindfulness, meditation, and stress-relieving activities.
The goal of DID treatment is to help the individual to understand their condition and to develop the skills necessary to manage their symptoms. Talk therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for DID and involves helping the patient to feel comfortable with and able to manage their triggers; accept and understand their parts; learn how to integrate them; and reduce the fragmentation of their identity.
Medications are often prescribed to help with symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. In addition, mindfulness and meditation can help individuals cope with their symptoms and learn to manage their emotions more effectively.
It is important to note that recovery from DID is an ongoing process and may take years. However, with professional help, support, patience and understanding, a variety of effective therapies and treatments can help individuals with DID take control of their symptoms and achieve greater levels of wellness.