Multiple personality disorder, or DID (dissociative identity disorder), also called split self, is a dissociative disorder that involves the presence of at least two separate personalities in one body. They have different identities, and often differ in age, intelligence, beliefs and memories.
Causes of Multiple Personality Disorder
Split personality often has its source in traumatic events from the past. These can be, for example, the experience of physical violence, rape, participation in a catastrophe or war. The emergence of a new identity is then a defense mechanism that allows us to separate ourselves from the trauma.
The use of psychoactive substances can also contribute to the occurrence of dissociative disorder.
Symptoms of a split self
One of the symptoms of multiple personality disorder is memory gaps. The patient does not remember what he was doing when another personality took control of his body. Outsiders can notice changes in the patient’s behaviour and in the way they speak or move.
An alternative personality manifests itself primarily in stressful situations and during properly conducted therapeutic sessions and hypnosis.
Treatment of Dissociative Personality Disorder
In the treatment of multiple personality, psychotherapy is mainly used. One of its objectives is to reach the traumatic event that led to the development of the disorder. Knowing the specific cause allows you to start working with the trauma, which is essential to integrate all the personalities of the patient. When working with people with dissociative personality disorder, psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapy are used, among others. Hypnosis can also be helpful, as it makes it easier to establish contact with alternative personalities.