One Body, Many Identities: The Reality of Dissociative Identity Disorder

We have all had that moment when we entered the room and forgot why. Or maybe we found ourselves doing something and wondered, "Wait, did I really just do that?" What if these events were more than just fleeting moments? What if they were a complete identity transformation, like switching to a completely different character in a novel we were unaware we were reading?

This is the reality of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), a disorder that is frequently misinterpreted, exaggerated, and debated worldwide. Today, we're diving into what DID really is to help us understand one of the unique ways the human mind copes with life.

What really is DID?

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly called Multiple Personality Disorder, is more common than we think, present in approximately 1.5% of the global population.[1] This is a complex mental health condition where a person has two or more identities or "alter egos" that control their behaviors at different times.[2] Although the personalities are housed in one body or mind, each of these personalities has its own name, voice, memories, mannerisms, and even preferences—like different apps running on the same phone, each with its own settings.

What we may not know is that DID is a protective mechanism: our body's response to severe trauma and abuse, often experienced in early childhood. After extreme distress, the brain creates mental barriers so that each part doesn't have to deal with the whole overwhelming experience. [3]

Most DID cases are undiagnosed, and several countries have reported cases of DID as "outer world possession" or "possession by demons." [4] Over the years, there have been efforts to increase awareness of this condition through academic means, such as journals and articles, or

non-academic means, such as plays, TV shows, music, and social media. An example is the case of Caitlyn Snow and Killer Frost in The Flash sci-fi series.

Signs of DID– Does your brain have more roommates than you signed up for?

DID is often diagnosed late, and victims often have no awareness of their trauma. Of the DID population, only 5–6% have an obvious display of their alters or switches. Although friends and therapists may see signs of awareness, most changes are acceptable as typical human behavior.[5]

● Memory gaps – Not remembering events for large amounts of time. Did you find out a friend is mad at you for something you have zero memory of doing?

● Do you feel like an observer of your own speech and actions?

● Does your body feel different (age, build, or gender) sometimes, so you act differently?

● Drastic Shifts in personality- do you feel someone is in control? Has your family noticed behaviors that are out of character for you?

● Inner conversations – How often have you conversed with a different entity in your head?

● Different skills or preferences – One of your personalities might love coffee, but another might hate it.

● Do you have trouble functioning correctly in social gatherings or at your workplace? [2]

For many people with DID, their daily life is like sharing a body with roommates they didn't choose. Sometimes, they get along. Other times, not so much.

The Dark Side of DID

People with DID are often stereotyped as violent or criminals by the general public when, in fact, due to the extremity of trauma experienced, they are more likely to be re-victimized[5]. They are also likely to commit crimes like any other non-DID person.

Furthermore, an unfortunate complication of DID is an increased risk for suicide attempts and self-harm. [2] This is caused by a combination of their past trauma, emotional distress, and confusing identities. Feeling out of control in their own body and a constant state of internal conflict between alters can lead to stress, depression, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping.

How is DID treated?

● Medications to reduce complications such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, and night terrors and stabilize mood.

● Psychotherapy helps people with DID better handle their symptoms and overall dissociative process. Therapy is a way to cope with the traumatic experiences that led to their dissociative identity disorder and help to unite these multiple identities into one.[2]

How can we support people with DID?

● Believe them

● Avoid judgment

● Encourage professional help–therapy.

At the end of the day, people with DID are just like everyone else—navigating life, working, studying, and forming relationships. The difference? They’re doing it with a brain that built an extraordinary way to handle trauma.

References:

1. Brand, B. L., Schielke, H. J., Putnam, K. T., Putnam, F. W., Loewenstein, R. J., Myrick, A., Jepsen, E. K. K., Langeland, W., Steele, K., Classen, C. C., & Lanius, R. A. (2019). An Online Educational Program for Individuals With Dissociative Disorders and Their Clinicians: 1-Year and 2-Year Follow-Up. Journal of traumatic stress, 32(1), 156–166. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22370

2. What are dissociative disorders? (n.d.). https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/dissociative-disorders/what-are-dissociative-disorders#section_0

3. McLean Hospital. (2024, July 6). Understanding dissociative identity disorder. Retrieved from https://www.mcleanhospital.org

4. van Duijl, M., Nijenhuis, E., Komproe, I. H., Gernaat, H. B., & de Jong, J. T. (2010). Dissociative symptoms and reported trauma among patients with spirit possession and matched healthy controls in Uganda. Culture, medicine and psychiatry, 34(2), 380–400. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11013-010-9171-1

5. Bruises, B. A. (2024, September 16). DID Myths and Misconceptions — Beauty after Bruises. Beauty After Bruises. https://www.beautyafterbruises.org/blog/didmyths