What is dissociative identity disorder?

Dissociative identity disorder is the existence within a person of two or more distinct personalities or personality states, each of which may seem as if it has a distinct personal history, self-image, and identity, including a separate name. At least two of these identities or personality states repeatedly take control of the person's behavior. The different personalities are sometimes called "alters".

Dissociation is a state in which a person is completely unaware of certain parts or aspects of him or herself. This illness is called dissociative identity disorder because the illness involves states in which a person is aware of one aspect of his/her personality and completely unaware of other parts.

Dissociative identity disorder (in the past called multiple personality disorder) is a rare condition in which a person has two or more separate personalities. The person often does not know that the other personalities exist. And he or she cannot recall events that occur when the other personalities are active.

The condition is not due to substance abuse or another medical condition.

Dissociative identity disorder is likely linked to severe childhood trauma. The person's defense mechanism separates different aspects of his or her own personality in order to deal with the physical and emotional pain. Eventually, new "personalities" emerge and establish their own lifestyles in the same individual.

Professional counseling is usually the main treatment for this condition. The goal is to slowly merge the different aspects of the personalities together (integration).