Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a very rare mental health condition that affects about 1% of the US population. DID may be the result of abuse or trauma experienced during childhood, or in reaction to natural disasters or other traumatic events like combat. Other dissociative disorders include depersonalized or derealization disorder, which causes a feeling of detachment from a person’s actions, and dissociative amnesia, which is difficulty remembering information about one’s self.
A person with DID may have two or more distinct identities. The “core” identity is the person’s usual personality and “alters” are the person’s alternate personalities. Some people with DID have up to 100 alters. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these personalities “control their behavior at different times. Each identity has its own personal history, traits, likes, and dislikes.” The alters may have different genders, ethnicities, interests, and ways of interacting with their environments. DID may lead to gaps in memory and hallucinations. Other signs and symptoms of DID may include anxiety, depression, disorientation, drug or alcohol use, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm, among others.
There is no single test that can diagnose DID. A healthcare provider will review a person’s symptoms and personal health history and may perform tests to rule out underlying physical causes for symptoms. The symptoms of DID often show up in childhood – between the ages of 5 and 10. DID may be confused with other behavioral or learning disabilities common in children, and, for this reason, DID is often not diagnosed until adulthood.
There is no cure for DID. Most people with DID manage the disorder for the rest of their lives with a combination of treatments that help reduce symptoms. For example, some medications may help with certain symptoms of DID, such as depression or anxiety. Psychotherapy has been shown to be an effective treatment. A healthcare provider with specialized training in mental health disorders can guide a person with DID toward the right treatment, which may help in identifying triggers that cause personality or identity changes. Along with supports for employment and independent living, people with DID can live independently and participate fully in the community of their choosing.
Contact NARIC’s information specialists to learn more about DID, including resources related to DID.
