Dissociative Identity Disorder

What is dissociative identity disorder?

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a mental illness. A person with this disorder may have disconnected thoughts, memories, feelings, actions, or sense of who he or she is. Some people with this disorder can seem dazed, confused, and out of touch with what is happening around them.

What is the cause?

The cause of DID might be extreme abuse that started in early childhood and continues for many years. DID can also occur because of one horrifying event, such as a vicious rape or witnessing a loved one's murder or suicide.

What are the symptoms?

People who have this disorder:

• Sometimes cannot remember parts of their childhood.
• May not recall buying things that they now own.
• Have long periods when they feel unreal, as if in a dream, or as if they're really not there.
• Have memories come back to them all of a sudden, like flashbacks.
• Meet people who seem unfamiliar but claim to know them.
• Find themselves somewhere and not know how they got there.

People with this disorder may also have problems with depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, or panic attacks. They may try to hurt or kill themselves.

How is it diagnosed?

You may not be aware of the condition. DID may be diagnosed when you seek help for amnesia or time loss. Your healthcare provider or a mental health specialist will ask about your symptoms and any drug or alcohol use. You may have lab tests to rule out medical problems.

How is it treated?

The goal of therapy is to help you learn to control symptoms. Over time, you will learn to deal with flashbacks, emotions, and feeling out of touch with what is happening.

Treatment usually includes psychotherapy and may include hypnosis and medicine. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) helps you cope with feelings and thoughts about distressing past events. You move your eyes back and forth, usually following the therapist's hand or pen, while you recall the event. Therapy may painful due to dealing with traumatic memories. It can take a long time. Medicine helps manage specific symptoms but cannot cure DID.

How can I take care of myself?

• Get support. Talk with family and friends. Consider joining a support group in your area.
• Learn to manage stress. Ask for help at home and work when the load is too great to handle. Find ways to relax, for example take up a hobby, listen to music, watch movies, take walks. Try deep breathing exercises when you feel stressed.
• Take care of your physical health. Try to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Eat a healthy diet. Limit caffeine. If you smoke, quit. Avoid alcohol and drugs, because they can make your symptoms worse. Exercise according to your healthcare provider's instructions.
• Check your medicines. To help prevent problems, tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all the medicines, natural remedies, vitamins, and other supplements that you take.
• Contact your healthcare provider or therapist if you have any questions or your symptoms seem to be getting worse.

When should I seek help?

Get emergency care if you have serious thoughts of suicide or self harm.

Do not try to deal with this disorder all by yourself. Seek help from your healthcare provider or a mental health professional.

For more information, contact:

• National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
  Phone: 1-800-950-NAMI
  Web site: http://www.nami.org
• Mental Health America
  Phone: 1-800-969-6642
  Web site: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net