Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a mental health condition. People with DID have two or more separate identities. These personalities control their behavior at different times. Each identity has its own personal history, traits, likes and dislikes. DID can lead to gaps in memory and hallucinations (believing something is real when it isn't). Dissociative identity disorder used to be called multiple personality disorder or split personality disorder. DID is one of several dissociative disorders. These disorders affect a person's ability to connect with reality. DID is very rare. The disorder affects between 0.01 and 1% of the population. It can occur at any age. Afab are more likely than amab to have DID.
A person with DID has two or more distinct identities. The "core" identity is the person's usual personality. "Alters" are the person's alternate personalities. Some people with DID have up to 100 alters.
Alters tend to be very different from one another. The identities might have different genders, ethnicities, interests and ways of interacting with their environments.
Other common signs and symptoms of DID can include:
•Anxiety.
•Delusions.
•Depression.
•Disorientation.
•Drug or alcohol abuse.
•Memory loss.
•Suicidal thoughts or self-harm.
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DID is usually the result of sexual or physical abuse during childhood. Sometimes it develops in response to a natural disaster or other traumatic events like combat. The disorder is a way for someone to distance or detach themselves from trauma. There is no cure for DID. Most people will manage the disorder for the rest of their lives. But a combination of treatments can help reduce symptoms. You can learn to have more control over your behavior. Over time, you can function better at work, at home or in your community.
