What exactly is dissociative identity disorder?
It is a mental disorder which was previously called multiple personality disorder. It involves
having a minimum of 2 different and long lasting personality states.
Symptoms:
● People suffering from this often are seen to suffer remembering events and details of
the past.
● Feeling of being distanced from oneself and your emotions.
● Frequently stressed over issues.
● Can lead to anxiety and depression.
● Trouble eating and sleeping(eating disorders, insomnia , nightmares).
● Mood swings.
● Lightheadedness.
Causes:
● Stress inducing aspects of life.
● Hard and complicated relationships with family members, relatives or friends.
● Traumatic events like prolonged periods of physical and emotional abuse. The
disassociation becomes a type of coping mechanism.
Treatment:
● Confide in individuals you trust. This could be anyone – parents, friends, siblings.
● Another option is therapy if you are unable to find someone to talk to.
● Meditation and other relaxation techniques: These help individuals to calm down and
regain their usual state.
● There is no specific medication so they are given medicines used to reduce anxiety and
depression.
● Family therapy: A process in which others are educated about the issue to help the
individual suffering on a day to day basis.
Myths about the disorder
- The disorder is rare. This is false as it is seen to affect 1% of the general population and
most cases go undiagnosed.
Individuals are violent. There is however no link between violence and the disorder.
It is evident from a person’s behaviour. This isn’t accurate as disorder is difficult to
diagnose and people may even undergo multiple false diagnosis.