Abstract
This paper analyzes whether dissociative identity disorder (DID), also known by its older designation to lay people as multiple personality disorder (MPD) or split personality, really exists. It discusses the disease's diagnosis and pathogenesis and the problems with differential diagnoses. The paper suggests that the diagnosis of DID should be guarded, preferably made as a diagnosis of exclusion. The paper also contains an annotated bibliography.

From the Paper
"However, Merckelbach, Devilly and Rassin's review of the alters in DID effectively challenge the prevailing support for DID in calling into question the very nature of the claimed multiple personality. The authors sought a better definition of the multiple identities associated with DID. They assert that, as opposed to unconvincing evidence of the existence of alters ranging from acceptance due to their mutually exclusive memories to distinct documented physiological profiles (fMRI, EEG), these personalities can alternately be seen as emotional metaphors and escapist thought (Merckelbach, Devilly and Rassin 486-490). Needless to say, there is very little consensus among the psychiatric community on what the alters actually are, in large part due to the lack of a control group and a further lack of knowledge regarding memory function (Merckelbach, Devilly and Rassin 492). Furthermore, their research supports the claim in showing that there can be no absolutely reliable diagnosis of DID because the "personalities" themselves cannot be proven to be real alter-identities."

Tags:pathogenisis, differential, diagnosis, multiple, personality, disorder, split, mental

Abstract
The paper provides a Summary of the movie "Fight Club" and analyzes the main character's symptoms that suggest he suffers from a mental illness. The paper explores the signs, symptoms and diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder as well as its causes and the treatments available for this disorder.

Outline:
Summary of the Movie "Fight Club
Diagnosis of the Character's Mental Illness
Signs and Symptoms and Diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder
Causes of Dissociative Identity Disorder
Treatment of Patients with Dissociative Disorders

From the Paper
"This movie is about a man who is caught up with his own demons. He is an ordinary man working for an insurance company. His job entailed him to travel around the country, being enslaved by his work. He was caught up in a stressful life where he breathed nothing else but work. He was always tired, unable to sleep for days. He was caught in his condominium-enclosed life of consumerism. He became enslaved by buying appliances and furniture, and during the day, he worked and did what he was told by his boss. He sought help from the doctor for his sleeplessness, and the doctor advised him to attend a Prostate Cancer Group, where the gist of the story begins. He began to attend self-help groups, and by attending these, he was able to find solace. He was able to sleep, and was able to let out his built-in emotions. He became addicted to this kind of living."

Tags:mental, illness, personalities, memory, trauma, psychotherapy, relationships

Abstract
The paper explains that dissociative identity disorder is a psychological condition in which traumatic memories become disconnected from a person's normal awareness, or consciousness, thereby shielding the person from the pain or fear associated with the trauma. The paper explains that it causes the individual to experience her psyche/identity as disconnected or split into distinct parts. The paper lists the recognized types of dissociative disorders and the most common symptoms.

From the Paper
"Dissociative disorders are uncommon, affecting an estimated 1 percent to 2 percent of the population. This kind of disorder affects females more often than males and most often begin whenever the abuse or traumatic event occurred (http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/2800/2819.asp?index=9786&src=news, 2002). Many have tried to give a full and much detailed definition on Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), because there have been an increasing number of reported cases of this 'illness'."

Tags:trauma, psyche, disconnected, pain, fear

Abstract
This paper explains that, in Dissociative Identity Disorder, an individual's identity dissociates, or fragments, creating additional identities that exist independently of each other within the individual, with each personality specifically distinct from the other in such characteristics as tone of voice, mannerisms, vocabulary, and posture. The author points out that the main personality, the one seeking psychiatric help, is called the 'host', although it generally is not the individual's original personality, but rather one developed along the way. The paper reports that treatment mainly consists of psychotherapy using outpatient hypnosis with the goal to deconstruct the different personalities and to unite them into one, which takes from a minimum of three to five years, or six or more years for more complex patients.

From the Paper
"Treatment of DID is a long and difficult process and success, the total integration of identity, is rare. One 1990 study found that roughly one-fourth, five of the twenty patients studied, were successfully treated. Treatment involves having DID patients recall childhood memories and often includes hypnosis to help the patient remember because the memories are often subconscious. There is need for caution however, as recovered memories can be so traumatic for the patient that they may cause more harm."

Tags:abuse, tests, host, alter, hypnosis

Abstract
This paper presents an argument that dissociative identity disorder, while it has been described for well over a century as a mental disorder, has been challenged by many evidence-based researches. In trying to understand a disorder that can encompass very real experiences by the patient, the paper explains, several difficulties have hampered efforts to put an objective face on DID. The paper opines in conclusion that the diagnosis of DID should be guarded, preferably made as a diagnosis of exclusion.

From the Paper
"Among the psychiatric disorders, perhaps no other disorder has faced as much controversy as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Also known by its older designation to lay people as Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) or split personality, DID has been rarely solidly diagnosed in spite of criteria specified by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth text revision (DSM-IV-TR). While evidence of the existence of the disorder lies in the number of case studies purportedly published as well as anecdotes of the same, DID has become more of a psychiatric novelty rather than a bonafide disorder. Nonetheless, the ..."

Tags:split, personality, multiple, Sibyl

Abstract
This paper looks at dissociative identity disorder, also know as multiple personality disorder, one of the most controversial mental disorders and is subject to intense skepticism. It examines how the literature ranges from passionate discourses recognizing it as a real psychiatric disorder to equally passionate claims that it does not exist.

From the Paper
"A proper diagnosis can be made only when the clinician determines that the person experiences alter personalities who can be identified and elicited. The clinician must "meet" at least one alter who is relatively enduring, recognized as unique in behavior, and assumes control from time to time. This process usually takes time, and the revelation may come not in the actual session with the clinician but in a telephone call by "a friend" or in a letter. Due to the nature of the disorder, it may be very difficult to obtain a history."

Tags:multiple, personality, mental

Abstract
This paper examines the role of trauma in the etiology of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and some of the most successful treatments used to treat the disorder. The paper analyzes the disorder according to the DSM-IV, Sybil, and other articles of research.

Table of Contents:
DID According to the DSM-IV
Sybil's Story
In General: Treatment and Prognosis

From the Paper
"Psychodynamically aware psychotherapy is the most commonly cited treatment orientation. Incorporating eclectic techniques, cognitive therapy methods can be modified to help patients explore and alter dysfunctional trauma-based belief systems; however, standard cognitive therapy protocols for depression and anxiety usually require modification when used in the treatment of DID. Most therapists employ hypnosis as a modality in the treatment of DID. The most common uses of hypnosis are for calming, soothing, containment, and ego strengthening. (Barach, 1994, para 12)"

Tags:psychology, psychotherapy, cognitive, trauma

Abstract
The paper examines the studies done on early childhood trauma, amnesia and the multiple ego theories that prove the diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder (DID) empirically exists. The paper shows how DID is a valid disorder that needs more evaluation and clinical trials, but notes that there is a great deal of evidence already present that is significant for a diagnostic procedure for psychologists.

From the Paper
"The first criterion for relating a diagnosis for Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is to define how the ego--not the personality--is the new phenomenon in psychological discourse on the subject. In recent years psychologists and researchers have moved away from defining DID as a personality related split within the psyche of the patient. This trend in research and definitive phenomenon for Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) has been negated by the introduction of the "ego states" as the foundation for new diagnostics perspectives in DID."

Tags:amnesia, ego, states, childhood, trauma, psychologists

Abstract
The paper defines dissociative identity disorder (DID). It examines alternative personalities, providing examples of typical types of alternative personalities. The author explores DID's symptoms and effects and in conclusion discusses the possibility of discovering a cure for a well recognized disorder.
Works Cited

From the Paper
"Dissociative Identity Disorder, or DID, is a mental condition in which a single person believes that he or she contains two or more alters that co-exist independently from one another. Until 1994, DID was called Multiple Personality Disorder. The name was changed to reflect a better understanding of the disease, which is characterized by a fragmentation of identity rather than a multiplication of separate identities."

Tags:disease, phsychology, schizophrenia, personality

Abstract
This paper discusses the current day psychological and cognitive understanding of this psychiatric disorder. The movie "Sybil" is used to illustrate several points about the nature of DID.

From the Paper
"The American Psychiatric Association DSM-TR defines dissociative identity disorder (DID) formerly known as multiple personality disorder, as a disturbance or alteration in the integration functions of identity memory of consciousness. A valid diagnosis of DID requires satisfaction of the following DSM-TR criteria: A) The presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states each with its own relatively enduring pattern of perceiving relating to and thinking about the environment and self, B) At least two of these identities or personality states recurrently take..."

Tags:Dissociative, Identity, Disorder