Dissociative Identity Disorders

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder, is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identity states or personality parts that recurrently take control of a person's behaviour. These identity states may have their own names, ages, histories, preferences, and ways of interacting with the world. The person may feel like they switch between these identities involuntarily, and often experiences significant gaps in memory that are too extensive to be explained by normal forgetfulness.

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DID is believed to develop as a coping mechanism in response to severe, chronic trauma, usually in early childhood, such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, or extreme neglect. The dissociation—the separation of aspects of experience, memory, or identity—helps the person mentally escape from traumatic events when no other form of safety is available. Over time, these dissociated parts may become more distinct and autonomous.