DISSOCIATIVE IDENTITY DISORDER

DEFINITION

• "Thought to be an effect of severe trauma during early childhood, usually extreme, repetitive physcial, sexual or emotional abuse" (Webmd)
• "A severe form of dissociation, a mental process which produces a lack of connection in a persons thoughts, memories, feelings, actions or sense of identity" (webmd)
• Dissociation thought of as a coping machanism

DIAGNOSIS

SYMPTOMS

• Forgetfulness
• Depression
• Suicidal tendencies
• Panic attacks
• Anxiety

ALTERS/PERSONALITIES

• One person can have up to 100
• Average number is 10
• Alters can be imaginary, animals etc

ALTERS/PERSONALITIES

• They can talk in diff. Tongues
• Be left/ right handed
• Be total opposite of self

ALTERS

• As each "personality reveals itself & controls individuals
• Behavior& thoughts its called "Switching"
• "Switching can take seconds to minutes to days
• So others are often confused.
• This is what differs from their dual diagnosis

SYMPTOMS

• Memory problems
• Delusions
• Personality change
• Disorientation
• Headaches

PROGRESSION

• How person is triggered
• Develop more alters
• They use alters to cope
• Reason why the dissociate

WHO GETS DID?

• Affects all ethnic groups
• Woman 9 times more than men
• Often children before age 9

HOW COMMON

• 0.1% -1%
• 15% of general population

TREATMENT

• No cure
• Psychotherapy
• Hypnotherapy
• Adjunctive therapies
• Ex. Movement therapy or art

GOAL OF THERAPY

MEDICATION

• Most have dual diagnosis
• Medication is already in use for others ex. Depression
• "No established medication treatment for DID
• Making psychologically-based therapy approaches the
• Mainstay of therapy" (webmd.com)

ROLE OF OT

• Busy work ex. Puzzles
• Activities to enhance coping
• Cooking
• Functional activities

FAMILY MEMBERS

• Can attend therapy as well
• If suspect loved one is suicidal call hotline
• 1 (800) 273- TALK

RESOURCES

• Webmd.com
• Nami.org
• Brittany Selman