Dissociative identity disorder (DID), also known as multiple personality disorder, is a condition where a person experiences distinct personalities or identities that control their behavior at different times. People with DID may experience memory loss and not remember the transitions between personalities. Symptoms include having multiple identities with different names, histories, and behaviors that emerge in stressful situations. Treatment focuses on long-term psychotherapy to help integrate the personalities and manage associated depression, anxiety, and self-harm.

1. DID

2. • Dissociative identity disorder (DID) or
commonly known as multiple personality
disorder is a condition where someone
experiences one or more different/distinct
personalities within their own body. It is
also similar to having multiple persons
inside one body.

3. • The personalities are usually separate from the
personality from the host (original person) this
can result in many personalities being abusive to
themselves or others such as self mutilation like
cutting. Those with the disorder also can
experience memory loss that is different from
every day forgetfulness as for example when a
different personality is present the host will often
not remember the transition or what they did
while the personality has taken over their body.

4. Symptoms
• The individual/ host will normally experience different personalities
and will react to different situations depending on what personality
has taken over the host for example they may grieve, think and
react differently.
• They can have multiple identities ranging from around 2 to even
100.
• They usually have 2 personalities that take control of how the host
will behave.
• Each personality can have its own history, self image as in different
styles in clothing, make-up hair etc.) and different names.
• Transitions from each personality may be triggered by stress.
• Each personality may not have knowledgement of other
personalities or may be in conflict with each one.

5. Symptoms
• Each personality can include signs of
depression, anxiety, independence and
guilt can be present in each personality.
• They can also be aggressive or self
abusive.
• Hallucinations can occur.

6. What causes transitions of
personalities?
• The most common trigger for the identity
transition may be due to stress that one
personality is feeling, which is usually the
host as they may be the most vulnerable
to stressful situations. This may cause for
a identity to take over as the host is seen
as not strong enough to cope with the
situation.

7. • It is not understood what completely
causes DID but some factors could
include the host experiencing severe
physical or sexual abuse, particularly
during their younger stages.

8. Treatment
• One way DID can be treated is by frequent visits
to therapists to help find the reason why they
might be suffering with DID.
• Similarly is long term psychotherapy with the
goal of deconstructing the personalities to try
and get them to unite.
• Antidepressants to help with the self abuse.
• Anti anxiety drugs
• Tranquilizers to help control mental health
symptoms.