Dissociative Disorder Research Paper

Dissociative Disorders are dysfunctions that cause a disruption in a person’s memory, perception, identity, awareness, etc. These disorders are also referred to as derealization, a change that was made in the DSM-5. Also, another change for Dissociative Disorders in the DSM-5 is now dissociative amnesia and dissociative fugue are not considered separate in diagnosing, but dissociative fugue is a characteristic of dissociative amnesia. Dissociative Amnesia is the inability to recall important personal information (Barlow and Durand 2009). Dissociative Fugue is the unexpected travel away from home or one’s customary workplace (Barlow & Durand, 2011). Thesis Statement: Dissociative Disorders come in many forms but the focus will be on Dissociative Identity Disorder and Shirley Ardell Mason (also known as Sybil), highlighting her sixteen personalities.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Dissociative disorders are mental illnesses that involve disruptions or breakdowns of memory, awareness, identity and/or perception. When one or more of these functions is disrupted, symptoms can result. These symptoms can interfere with a person’s general functioning, including social activities, work functions, and relationships.” This disorder is also known as Multiple Personality Disorder, but this title suggested that someone could be more than one person, which is different than having several personalities. Also, traits of dissociation occurred in a person diagnosed with Multiple Personality Disorder, so the name change was necessary. These other identities that are referred to as sub personalities or “alters” (Barlow & Durand, 2011), makes a switch with the original personality (the personality of the patient). The original personality is, in...

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...g past the traumatic events.

Shirley Mason’s treatment was therapy with her psychoanalysts. One of her personalities attempted suicide, and as a result her doctor prescribed her sodium pentothal for her anxiety. In the end, four of Shirley’s personalities fused and formed a new and cured Shirley, and the other ones either became extinct, or integrated themselves with Shirley. Eventually, she was one identity with the traits of her old sub personalities, and she was able to finally live a normal life.

DID is a serious disorder, because the extremities and lack of control that can be experienced. Although the etiology is not completely agreed upon, it is safe to assume that this disorder stems from some traumatic experience. It is not guaranteed that a person will ever fully recover, but it is optimistic to understand that there is a possibility of full integration.