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.
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