Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition that is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identities or personalities within one individual. These identities can take control of the person’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior at different times, often resulting in significant disruptions in daily life.
While the symptoms of DID can vary widely between individuals and may not always be easy to recognize, there are several signs that may indicate the presence of the disorder.
Here are some common signs of DID to look out for:
How to Spot Signs and Symptoms of DID
1. Memory loss
One of the hallmark features of DID is the presence of memory loss or gaps in memory, especially for traumatic events. This can include forgetting significant events or periods of time, feeling as if you are watching yourself from a distance or experiencing things as if they are happening to someone else, and feeling as if you have lost time.
These memory lapses are often a result of different identities taking control of the person’s consciousness at different times, making it difficult for the person to remember what happened while they were not in control.
2. Feeling detached from oneself or surroundings
Another common sign of DID is feeling detached from one’s body or surroundings, as if watching oneself from a distance (depersonalization) or experiencing things as unreal or dreamlike (derealization). This can include feeling as if you are in a fog or in a dream state, feeling as if your body is not your own, or feeling as if you are observing your thoughts and actions from a distance.
3. Internal voices or conversations
People with DID often report hearing internal voices or having internal conversations with themselves. These voices may be different from their own voice and may represent different identities or personalities. These internal conversations can be confusing and distracting, and may interfere with daily activities.
4. Feeling as if one has multiple personalities or identities
Feeling as if one has multiple personalities or identities is another common sign of DID. This can include feeling as if there are different parts of oneself or different versions of oneself, or feeling as if one has different personas or roles.
These different identities or personalities may have their own unique names, ages, genders, voices, mannerisms, memories, and behaviors, and may take turns controlling the person’s behavior or consciousness.
5. Sudden and dramatic shifts in mood or behavior
People with DID may experience sudden and dramatic shifts in mood, behavior, or personality that are not explainable by other factors. These shifts can be confusing and distressing, and may result in changes in relationships or work performance. The person may also have difficulty remembering what happened during these shifts or may feel as if they were not in control of their behavior. People with DID also sometimes develop a co-occurring substance use disorder.
6. Recurrent nightmares or flashbacks related to past trauma
People with DID often have a history of significant trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or other forms of interpersonal violence. As a result, they may experience recurrent nightmares or flashbacks related to these traumatic events. These nightmares or flashbacks can be distressing and may interfere with sleep and daily activities.
7. Self-harm, substance abuse, impulsivity or risk-taking
People with DID may engage in self-harming behaviors, substance abuse, or other forms of impulsivity or risk-taking. These behaviors may be a way of coping with the
distress and confusion associated with the disorder, and may result in further harm to the person’s physical or mental health.
8. Dissociative seizures or other physical symptoms
Some people with DID may experience dissociative seizures or other physical symptoms that cannot be explained by medical tests. These symptoms may include
paralysis, blindness, or other sensory disturbances, and may be related to the different identities taking control of the person’s consciousness. It is important to note that not all people with dissociative disorders have these experiences.
Treatment Can Make Living with DID Much Easier
There is no question that living with DID can be challenging for both the sufferer and their loved ones and close friends. Different identities can have unique behaviors and memories that can be difficult to manage.
However, with proper treatment, people with DID can learn to manage their symptoms and live a rewarding and enjoyable life. Treatment for DID often involves individual therapy, where the person works with a mental health professional to develop coping strategies and identify triggers.
Additionally, medication may be prescribed to manage other mental health conditions that often co-occur with DID, such as depression or anxiety.
One key component of treatment for DID is creating a safe and supportive environment. This involves building a trusting relationship with the therapist and creating a sense of stability and routine in the person’s daily life.
The therapist may also work with the person to develop communication strategies between the different identities to promote cooperation and reduce conflicts.
How Do I Get Treatment for DID?
If you’ve realized that you or someone you love may have a dissociative disorder like DID, the next step is reaching out for help. Recognizing a need for mental health treatment and being ready to do something about it is the key to initiating real change.
Don’t worry about trying to figure out a precise diagnosis or what type of treatment you need. That is best left to the professionals. Give the Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic a call at (772) 444-8822, we’re here to listen and ready to help.
