What is Dissociation?
Dissociation
is a psychological state or condition in which certain thoughts, emotions, sensations, or memories are separated from the
rest of the psyche.
How common is Dissociation?
Everyone experiences dissociation to some extent.
Mild dissociation can include getting “lost in a book” or daydreaming.
Almost 1/3rd
of people say they occasionally feel as though they are watching themselves in a movie, and 4% say they feel that way as much
as 1/3rd of the time.
How does a Dissociative Disorder Develop?
Abuse is by far the leading factor in a Dissociative disorder developing although it is important to note
that not every child who has been abused will develop a Dissociative disorder.
When a child is being abused dissociation may be the best tool at their disposal to deal with the trauma
at hand. In fact, dissociation is an invaluable survival skill. Dissociation can “transport” a person far away from all of the pain.
Through Dissociation the memory of the trauma and any feelings or thoughts associated with that trauma can
be cut off psychology so that the child can continue to function.
Children are not born with a formed identity; therefore they have a great capacity to create and compartmentalize
separate identities when faced with severe or life threatening trauma.
Over time (even after the trauma has passed) children who have used dissociation, may find that the coping
skill lingers and this leaves the potential for a disorder to develop.
What is Dissociative Identity Disorder?
Dissociative
Identity Disorder (formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder) is a Dissociative disorder involving a disturbance of
identity in which two or more separate and distinct personality states (or identities also called alters) control the individual's
behavior at different times.
The number of
alters (identities) can range from 2 to 100. The average number is around 10. Many times the alters are stable and continue to play out their roles in a person’s
life for many years. When an alter takes over it is called “switching”. When a switch happens, the person may not be able to remember what happened during
that particular time. He/She may buy things during that time that they later
do not remember buying or say things they later do not remember saying because they are not the one in control at the time.
Each alter can
have his/her own unique history, mannerisms, way of speaking, attitudes, thoughts and feelings. In addition alters may have differing handwriting, differing physical attributes such as allergies or illness
that the others do not have, or one may be left handed the other right handed, one a boy and one a girl etc. The changes may not be a drastic as one would think and may show up subtly but they are there.
Each alter serves
a particular function and purpose within the system. It is common to have a child
alter, a protective or angry alter as well as an alter who blames the system for the abuse.
What are the Symptoms of DID?
Depression
Anxiety (sweating,
rapid pulse, palpitations)
Phobias
Panic attacks
Physical symptoms
(severe headaches or other bodily pain)
Fluctuating levels
of function, from highly effective to disabled
Time distortions,
time lapse, and amnesia
Sexual dysfunction
Eating disorders
Posttraumatic
stress
Suicidal preoccupations
and attempts are common
Episodes of self-mutilation
Psychoactive
substance abuse
Why are Dissociative Disorders often misdiagnosed?
Research has
shown that those with a Dissociative Disorder spend an average of seven years in the mental health system before receiving
an accurate diagnosis.
Often times it
seems that various symptoms are brought to the table, rather then all of the symptoms as a whole. Patients mat be misdiagnosed with an anxiety disorder, mood disorder or personality disorder when in fact
these may not be the case it all or a secondary diagnosis. Often times the host
personality is depressed and this can result in a diagnosis of depression.
How is Dissociative Identity Disorder Treated?
Traditionally
therapy has three main phases.
During the first
phase it is important to strengthen the person for the hard work ahead of them where they will be working through the trauma. Safety is an issue here as is stabilization.
In the first phase personalities are explored and maps are made to illustrate who is who and how and if they interact.
Throughout the
second phase the person typically processes the trauma, and associated work.
The third phase
brings about a reconnection of the person’s selves called “Integration”.
It is important to note that not everyone decides to integrate. IF integration
is the chosen path then personalities will be reunited and unified into one. From
there the person will continue to see the therapist occasionally as they would a medical doctor.
