Since Sybil was published in 1974 I think people have been fascinated by multiple personality disorder, now known as dissociative identity disorder or DID. We see dissociative identity disorder on TV and in movies fairly frequently. I didn’t kill her, my alternate personality did.
And yet many people, doctors included, feel that the mental illness doesn’t really exist. I’m fascinated by someone having a disorder that the medical community can’t even agree exists (although keep in mind, dissociative identity disorder is in the DSM-IV).
I admit to having no idea either way and being terribly uneducated on the subject. Luckily for me, there is a new Blogger Holly Gray at HealthPlace that writes on just such issues in her blog Dissociative Living.
I’m honored to announce that Holly will be writing a guest post here on the Burble blog. I’ve never had a guest author before but I think it would be a good change for everyone and I welcome a chance to learn something new.
Facts About Dissociative Identity Disorder
In preparation for Holly’s appearance, here are some bits from Wikipedia on dissociative identity disorder (DID):
- Dissociative identity disorder is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a condition in which a person displays multiple distinct identities orpersonalities (known as alter egos or alters), each with its own pattern of perceiving and interacting with the environment.
- Diagnosis requires at least two personalities routinely take control of the individual’s behavior with an associated memory loss that goes beyond normal forgetfulness
- DID is theoretically linked with the interaction of overwhelming stress, traumatic antecedents, insufficient childhood nurturing, and an innate ability to dissociate memories or experiences from consciousness
- Others believe that the symptoms of DID are created iatrogenically by therapists using certain treatment techniques with suggestible patients
- Individuals with the condition commonly attempt suicide
- Psychiatrist Colin A. Ross has stated that based on documents obtained through freedom of information legislation, psychiatrists linked to Project MKULTRA claimed to be able to to deliberately induce dissociative identity disorder using a variety of aversive techniques (creepiest thing ever)
In short, no one knows what the heck is going on, but then, that’s the state of mental illness in general.
[And as a side note, rapid-cycling versions of bipolar disorder are not actually in the DSM and so technically, I have a mental illness that people don’t agree on too.]
Dissociative Identity Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
One thing I will say though is that I find it completely reasonable to think that in cases of severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe cases of dissociation would result, particularly if the trauma was in childhood (and dissociation is a big part of DID). Many doctors do feel that childhood trauma is a key factor in DID. We all dissociate to some degree (myself more than most) and it’s reasonable to think that an amplification of that would result in a disordered life.
All Mental Illness is an Amplification of Normal Behavior
And really, all mental illness is an amplification of normal behavior, which is why it’s so hard for some people to accept. Depression is just sadness squared. Mania is just energetic cubed. And so on. But it does seem that the term multiple personality disorder probably didn’t do anyone any favors.
So, look for an upcoming post next week that explores some of the issues around dissociative identity disorder and mental illness. I’m looking forward to hearing from Holly and learning something new.
@Tina, although I’ve never heard of it being used for diagnosis, studies show DID -does- show up on EEG brain-scans. Apparently they can see each alter using the brain in their own distinct way, which actors cannot fake. When my system started communicating, I asked my family to take me to the doctor for an EEG to prove I was telling the truth, but apparently they are expensive and my family would prefer to believe I’m simply “crazy” anyhow.
You did a blog entry on how we become other people depending on where we’re at with the Bipolar. Manic Me is a religious person, for example, while Baseline Me is an atheist. What’s the difference between those personality shifts and DID?
Hi KG,
I think you might be referring to this article I wrote about mania and psychosis: https://natashatracy.com/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-disorder-type-i-mania-delusions-grandeur/
Dissociative disorders are very different from psychotic ones. Dissociation tends to remove you from your body and often produces an amnesia of sorts. It’s not a mood change as much as a perceptual one. Hallucinations are also not part of dissociative disorders. And, to the best of my knowledge, psychosis doesn’t really manifest as a personality change as much as a belief-system change, if you will. Dissociative disorders can change an entire personality.
I recommend you take a look here for more information: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/916186-clinical#showall
(you might have to loging – it’s free)
– Natasha Tracy
Natasha,
I am a creative, intellectual person with a professional degree working on my masters. I have been diagnosed for around 20 yrs. It took them (psychiatric teams) years to figure out what was wrong with me. I wish I wasn’t DID. I wish the diagnosis didn’t exist. I wish ptsd didn’t exist and I wish that severe child abuse including SRA didn’t exist.
I show classic signs of DID and have been working on it and how to survive productively in this world through many therapists, psychologists, ministers, psychiatrists and medical doctors.
I recently, talked to one of my aunts who I respect and look up to and she is a strong believer in Jesus (just as I am). She and many well meaning people in my past has tried to comnvince me I was not DID. I am now confused. I’m not schizophrenic but hear parts in my head having conversations. Different voices and ages. When I think about any memory like just talking to my teenage daughter I don’t see it the way society sees their memories, I see it as if I’m watching myself on tv talking with my daughter. If I’m not DID am I making up the feelings I have when I switch to a young alter and the change of my voice and mannerisms? Why do I self-harm and even being a christian am drawn to the Satanic realm? Why do I feel like chaos is going on inside when they are arguing and it feels like someone is taking their hands and squeezing on my head.
So, if I’m not DID to those like my aunt and others who do not believe in DID then what the hell am I? I had these symptoms before I was diagnosed several times by several different perfessionals.
Johnna
Hi Johanna,
As you know, I’m not a doctor, but I can give you my opinion of what you are describing.
First, many people don’t believe in mental illness – that does not mean it doesn’t exist, and the same goes for DID. Just because some people don’t “believe” in it, doesn’t mean it isn’t real. Most people who don’t believe in mental illness or DID do so because they aren’t educated in those matters. It’s only once you take the time to educate yourself that you truly understand that these things _are_real_ and people really do have DID and other mental illness.
I can’t say whether you have DID, but I can say that what you’re describing sure sounds like it. Moreover, if professionals have diagnosed you with it, I would certainly suggest it is the case. As Holly Gray (I mentioned her above) would tell you, it’s very difficult to get the diagnosis of DID and very difficult to find people who specialize in treating it. But that’s not because it isn’t real, it’s because it’s rare.
With all due respect to your aunt, what makes her think that she knows better than professionals? What makes her think that her, likely uneducated, opinion is worth more than people who spent a decade in school studying the human mind and brain? I’m sorry, but not matter how much you respect her, she is _not_ the best source of information on mental illness – professionals are.
Please understand that is is normal to doubt your diagnosis, because no one wants to have a mental illness, but that doubt is usually unfounded. Please listen to the professionals around you as they are most qualified to make that assessment. Moreover, they can help you get over the issues you describe.
I highly recommend you check out Holly’s blog and ask her any questions about DID you might have: http://dontcallmesybil.com/
Good luck.
– Natasha Tracy
Having PTSD with dissociation and ego states…or at least that’s what the therapists have always called it…Ive realized how little we all know about it, how little the world knows of it. For instance, I have co-consciousness with little loss of time, though I do lose time during times of stress.
Many times the goal of therapy is to integrate or “get rid of” the other personas. I did this for 25 plus years. This new therapist suggested something novel…using their strengths and not ignoring them. I was always ashamed, it’s always been something to hide, to be cured of…maybe thats why it’s been so subversive and furtive. When he suggested USING a personas strength to sooth the younger ones, it was an epiphany. ACCEPT them, then move forward in therapy…novel.
I look forward to the guest post and will be finding her blog. Thanks for bringing up a touchy subject
Hi Chrissy,
Thanks for commenting. I’m happy to bring up these kinds of touchy subjects because I think they need to be brought to light and I really respect Holly’s work in the area.
It’s great you’ve found a way of looking at your situation that works for you. Sometimes all it takes is a reframing of the issue and you can move forward. It’s unfortunate it took you so long to find it, but as you said, we know so little in this area it’s really tough to treat it successfully.
Just in case you missed it, here is the link to Holly’s post here: https://natashatracy.com/mental-illness/did/everything-about-dissociative-identity-disorder-wrong/
– Natasha Tracy
I have been diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder, (yrs ago) but not in a MPD kind of way. But I totally disassociate with the abused child in my past, unless sex is involved and then it all goes haywire. Its difficult to describe. I would not be surprised about the idea MPD exists, but please lets not allow this to go to the courts. I realise that there is such a huge divide in this area of research, but a divide should not weaken a possibility, it should strengthen, on both sides. X
Hi Shah,
I’m not sure what you mean, “not in a multiple-personality kind of way.” What I’m saying is that MPD doesn’t exist as it has been replaced by dissociative identity disorder.
If you haven’t already, check out Holly for more information: http://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/dissociativeliving/
and
http://dontcallmesybil.com/
– Natasha Tracy
Can they do a test like blood work or mri to check for did?
Hi Tina,
No test like bloodwork or MRI are used in diagnosing DID. A mental health assessment in a diagnostic interview is used for diagnosis.
– Natasha Tracy
Yeah, it really is. I think if you hear right from Holly though, it makes more sense. The idea of 1+ people living in one body just seems false, but that's not really what DID is, and that's where the confusion arises.
I wish more people would be truly educated about bipolar, so it's only reasonable that I try to represent some real information on other disorders too.
– Natasha Tracy
I will be looking for it. I think multiple personality disorder is fascinating…not sure if I totally buy into though. Kind of hard to wrap your head around!