DISSOCIATIVE IDENTITY DISOREDR

Dissociative Identity Disorder: Does it Really Exist?



Dissociative Identity Disorder: Does it Really Exist?

Introduction

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), also known as Multiple Personality Disorder is a psychiatric condition in which the person's identity is split between two or more alternating personalities. Standard textbooks of psychiatry classify dissociative identity disorder (DID) as a form of conversion disorder a psychosomatic disorder which involves a loss or alteration of some physical function that seems to have a physical cause but is actually caused by an identifiable psychological conflict or need. There is accumulating evidence, however, that DID is more appropriately understood as a variant of posttraumatic stress disorder following abuse or other trauma (Larsen & Buss, 2005). The existence of this disorder is very conttoversial; however, studies suggest that this disorder exists.

Discussion

Whether or not the dissociative identity disorder (DID) exists, is a subject of bitter controversy. This provides evidence with the existence of this disorder (Larsen & Buss, 2005). There have been a number of cases reported with this disorder, so the reason behind this controversy is to be found out. The major reason behind the existence of controversy is the inability of researchers to present strong evidence of the presence of multiple personalities (Kihlstrom, 1994).

Cause of DID

There is no specific cause behind this disorder except for the fact that the child might have been traumatized in his childhood, which has led, him to develop multiple personalities. The child, as he grows up, wants to get rid of such memories; therefore, he develops a second personality so that he can forget those memories (Kennett & Matthews, 2002). Another cause of DID maybe a family member who is already suffering from DID. This indicates potential vulnerability to develop the disorder in other family members (Gillig, 2009).

Case related to DID

A girl was ...