The DID Debate [may trigger]

Note: This could be posted on the wrong board. I apologise if it should be somewhere else.

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) is one of the most fascinating and lesser-known mental illnesses in day-to-day life.

In the past couple of decades, a debate about DID has seen the psychiatric community split in half: those who believe DID exists, and those who do not.

Within the group of people who believe DID exists, the disorder has also paved the way to a second splitting within the group: those who think DID is caused by traumatic events, and those who believe symptoms of the illness is caused by certain psychotherapeutic practices.

DID is certainly one of the most controversial mental health issues in the DSM-V. Where do your beliefs lie? Do you believe DID exists? If not, why not? If so, do you think they are due to trauma or induced by some psychotherapies? Why?

I'm interested.

Skye

My understanding of DID was, it was caused by traumatic events that happened in a person's life while the psyche is still forming properly, usually by age 8. The splitting off happens because they can't cope with what is going on and another personality forms to deal with it. No idea how accurate that is.

I really can't see how psychotherapies can cause DID. Is the theory it happens because of hypnosis? I don't know how common it is or if it even happens, but I have no trouble believing it could. The mind is an amazing thing.

SkyewardSword wrote:DID is certainly one of the most controversial mental health issues in the DSM-V. Where do your beliefs lie? Do you believe DID exists? If not, why not? If so, do you think they are due to trauma or induced by some psychotherapies? Why?

I'm interested.

Skye

I can't think of a single belief that has aided me. This one included. So, do I believe it exists? Don't know, don't care. I watched my split occur; it was during trauma. Doesn't much matter to me what it's called - could be over active imagination, could be DID, could be this is all a dream and nothing is real. Doesn't change anything for us. We know who we are. We're the experts on us - not the docs, not the manual.

I thought it was well known that DID was caused by early childhood trauma.

I've heard others try to rationale therapist abuse and the like... while the mind is fascinating, complex and full of amazing talents...I think that people overestimate the prevalence of abusive therapists. Who has the time to brainwash someone into believing awful traumatic memories? Furthermore, where can I learn to brainwash? I'm considering grad school.

I've never understood why people took the time to argue against its existence. Sure there are patients who over exaggerate symptoms, and pathologically lie to get attention, and I am not denying that therapists have hypnotized and taken advantage of patients (although granted, I think it is rare), but to ever say that DID does not exist just seems counter productive to learning about a disorder that has affected many people throughout history.

DID definitely does exist. There's a massive amount of evidence backing it up. I still think it's ridiculous there's this idea it's caused by unpredictable therapists, especially hypno therapists.

Not so long ago MPD was the title to what our outward reaction to events that took place within us from past events.

those that study it with empathy can see the telling sign and physical changes to how we hold ourselves.

as to those stuck in their inability to apply understanding outside of their comfort zone. No matter what the new studies show they are not going to change their tune.

science is just now coming to age in which evidence can be seen and documented and now those that refuse to see the truth are stuck in the mud of their preconceived Ideals.

It is not going to be too much longer than a brain scan or MRI will be able to be used for concrete diagnoses with each new breakthrough those with DID will find acceptance with the truth made public for those that are willing to hear it.