Dissociative Identity Disorder

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Definition and Background At some point in life, everyone questions exactly who they are as a person. People wonder what is important to them, what they want to be and how they want to be seen by others. This is a completely normal confusion that most people experience when discovering themselves. However, some people have a much different struggle with identity; they find themselves lost in several personalities. This condition is called Dissociative Identity Disorder and leaves sufferers with what appears to be many different characters all contained in one individual (notes), similar to a matryoshka doll. This disorder is so rare and fascinating that it grabs the attention of droves of people and has been the topic of many movies and stories, including the popular films Identity and Fight Club. Although such movies bring entertainment or fear to those who enjoy them, people dealing with the disorder may have a very different experience. Though it is not a common disorder, those who are affected face serious challenges and difficulties in everyday life. Dissociative identity disorder, once known as "multiple personality disorder", is exactly as it sounds; a disorder in which one individual has two or more complete personalities (Baron,Byrne,Kantowitz 1977). It is a form of dissociation disorder, which causes a lack of connection in one's thoughts, feelings, memories, and even actions (notes). This particular dissociation disorder is extremely rare, only .01% to .1% of the general population is diagnosed with it and 7% potentially have it without being diagnosed. It is also the most severe dissociation disorder (Johnson, Kimball, MD2012 ). Dissociative identity disorder is severe enough to cause people to experience fragmented... ... middle of paper ... ...tity Disorder. You Tube. Sfidiv09, 03 July 2007. Web. Dissociative Personality Disorder. You Tube. Stranger4000, 21 Sept. 2008. Web. 11 July 2013. Johnson, Kimball, MD. "Mental Health Disorders Center: Types, Symptoms, Treatments, Tests, and Causes." WebMD. WebMD, 26 May 2012. Web. 20 July 2013. Phelps, Brady J. "Dissociative Identity Disorder: The Relevance of Behavior Analysis." The Psychological Record 50.235-239 (2000): 235-36. Web. 12 July 2013. Roberts, Carol A. "Theory & Therapy." Theory & Therapy. STCC Foundation Press, n.d. Web. 20 July 2013. Smith, Kyle. "'Sybil' Is One Big Psych-out." New York Post. N.p., 16 Oct. 2011. Web. 20 July 2013. Sybil. Dir. Joseph Sargent. Perf. Jessica Lange,Tammy Blanchard, Ron White. Warner Brothers, 2006. Online. Stump, Stacy. Powerpoint Notes Taken Via Blackboard for Nicolet. Psychology (Online) - 10025 - Su 13.

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