Dissociative Identity Disorder

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a complex condition that often overlaps with other mental health issues, making diagnosis difficult. At Amen Clinics, we use brain imaging to uncover distinct patterns linked to DID and co-occurring conditions—leading to more accurate diagnoses and personalized, effective treatment plans.

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WHAT IS DISSOCIATIVE IDENTITY DISORDER? 

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) used to be called multiple personality disorder. An individual with DID will have two or more well-defined personality states. This condition is characterized by a disruption in memory, self-awareness, identity, perception, thought processes, and sensorimotor functioning. People with this condition develop one or more alternate and distinct identities, known as “alters.” Individuals with the disorder are often referred to as having multiple personalities or a split personality. People with DID will experience gaps in autobiographical memory, including personal details, daily activities, and traumatic events. These symptoms can disrupt cognitive function and psychological wellbeing and can cause problems in every aspect of a person’s life. 

WHO HAS DID? 

Dissociative identity disorder is considered to be very rare, and it is diagnosed more commonly in women than in men. However, the number of men with the disorder may be higher than reported because they are more likely to display aggressive behavior rather than the gaps in memory typically seen with DID. This disorder can emerge at almost any time in life—from childhood to late adult years. The average number of alters a person with DID has is about 10, although some may have only one alter, whereas others may have as many as 100. 

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF DID 

In most cases of dissociative identity disorder, shifting (or switching) between alters is subtle; however, a minority of people with DID have alters with distinct names, behaviors, memories, voices, and ways of viewing the world. In some cases, an alter may also have a different gender, ethnicity, or age, or be an animal. Alters may emerge for just brief moments or may be present for days at a time.

General symptoms and signs of DID include: 

  • Memory loss—often involving people, places, time periods, or events 
  • Depersonalization—out-of-body experiences in which you feel detached from your body and feel as if you are watching events happening to you 
  • Derealization—feeling as though the people and things in the world around you are not real 
  • Distortions—primarily in time, situation, and place 
  • Engaging in out-of-character behaviors 
  • Hallucinations 
  • Sleep disturbances 
  • Sexual dysfunction 
  • Headaches 
  • Suicidal behaviors—a majority of people with DID attempt suicide at least once 
  • Life challenges—vulnerability to abusive relationships, difficulties at work or school, and social isolation

PEOPLE WITH DID OFTEN HAVE CO-OCCURRING MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS, INCLUDING: 

  • Anxiety Disorders 
  • Depression 
  • Psychosis 
  • Feeding/Eating Disorders 
  • Substance Use Disorders  
  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 
  • Personality Disorder Traits 
  •  Self-Harm, Suicidal Thoughts and/or Behaviors

WHAT CAUSES DISSOCIATIVE IDENTITY DISORDER? 

Researchers have found a profound link between trauma and the development of dissociative identity disorder. In fact, it is believed that trauma is the root cause of the condition in over 90 percent of people who develop the disorder. 

Long-term neglect, emotional, sexual, or physical abuse in childhood, especially before the age of five or six, are commonly associated with the condition. Exposure to natural disasters, war, military combat, terrorism and other violence, as well as terrible bullying or recurrent painful medical procedures in childhood may also trigger the development of DID. It is believed that alternate personalities may initially develop as a coping mechanism to disconnect from ongoing trauma or a stressful situation. However, it’s important to note that not everyone who experiences trauma will experience dissociative symptoms. 

Why Choose Amen Clinics FOR DIAGNOSING AND TREATING DID? 

At Amen Clinics, we use brain SPECT imaging as part of a comprehensive assessment to diagnose and treat our patients. We also assess other factors—biological, psychological, social, and spiritual—that can contribute to symptoms of DID. Based on all of this information, we are able to personalize treatment using the least toxic, most effective solutions for a better outcome so you can lead the kind of life you want. There is hope for people with DID, and they generally respond well to treatment; the goal of which is to integrate the various alters into a well-functioning singular identity. 

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DISSOCIATIVE IDENTITY DISORDER BRAINS WORK DIFFERENTLY 

A growing body of neuroimaging research suggests that dissociative identity disorder is associated with changes in a number of brain regions involved in attention, memory, and emotions. For example, studies on people with DID have found decreased blood flow in parts of the prefrontal cortex, similar to what is seen in people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), also known as attention deficit disorder (ADD). Other brain imaging studies of people with DID show smaller brain volume in the hippocampus (an area involved in memory and learning), as well as in the amygdala (an area involved in emotional and fear response). 

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Consequences of Untreated Dissociative Identity Disorder

People with untreated DID typically have significant problems in everyday life, including at work, at school, and in relationships. Suicidal behavior and other types of self-harm are especially common in people who suffer from this disorder. In fact, over 70 percent of people with DID have attempted suicide.

Diagnosing Dissociative Identity Disorder

Before making a diagnosis of DID, it’s critical to investigate any biological factors that may be contributing to symptoms of memory loss or derealization. For example, concussions and traumatic brain injuries, substance abuse, infections, and chronic insomnia may cause similar symptoms. This is why it is so important to get a functional brain scan to detect signs of other undiagnosed brain-related issues. 

Brain SPECT imaging, a state-of-the-art technology, can be very helpful for people with dissociative identity disorder. It can: 

  • Identify brain patterns of any co-existing mental health disorders 
  • Detect signs of past head trauma that may contribute to memory problems and other symptoms 
  • See evidence of toxicity from drugs or alcohol, or other toxins that may cause similar symptoms 
  • Reveal signs of other brain-related issues that may mimic symptoms of the disorder 
  • Determine which medications will be most effective for patients 
  • Increase compliance with a treatment plan 
  • Show progress or show if treatment needs to be adjusted