Definition

Dissociation is a mental process in which there is a lack of connection in thoughts, memories, feelings, actions or identity. While dissociating, certain information is not associated with other information as it normally would be.

Some believe that dissociation exists on a continuum ranging from daydreaming to Dissociative Identity Disorder at the other.

Multiple personality disorder (MPD)

This is a psychiatricdisorder characterized by having at least one “alter” personality that controls behavior. The “alters” are said to occur spontaneously and involuntarily, and function more or less independently of each other.

The unity of consciousness, by which we identify our selves, is said to be absent in MPD.

Symptoms

1. The patient has at least two distinct identities or personality states. Each of these has its own, relatively lasting pattern of sensing, thinking about and relating to self and environment.
2. At least two of these personalities repeatedly assume control of the patient’s behavior.
3. Common forgetfulness cannot explain the patient’s extensive inability to remember important personal information.
4. This behavior is not directly caused by substance use (such as alcoholic blackouts) or by a general medical condition.
5. Episodes of amnesia or time loss (i.e.: don’t remember people, places, etc.)
6. Often they are depressed or suicidal

Research Says:  85% of MPD patients are female

Depersonalization disorder

This disorder is characterized by a sudden sense of being outside yourself, observing your actions from a distance as though watching a movie.

It may be accompanied by a perceived distortion of the size and shape of your body or of other people and objects around you.

Time may seem to slow down, and the world may seem unreal. Symptoms may last only a few moments or may wax and wane over many years.

Treatments

Treatment of DID may last for five to seven years in adults and usually requires several different treatment methods.

1. Psychotherapy