Abstract This paper analyzes and reviews three articles about dissociative personality disorder in order to consider how the conceptual framework for this disorder has changed over the last 50 years. The three articles were read carefully and summarized for basic themes, definitions, and differences. The first article entitled "Multiple Personality Disorder" by W.S. Taylor and M.F. Martin, written in 1944, was one of the first works on this disorder. The next article, "The Osiris Complex," by Colin A. Ross, describes the condition as growing out of childhood abuse and psychological trauma. The third article, titled "Multiple Personality Disorder: Witchcraft Survives in the Twentieth Century," by August Piper, Jr points out some troublesome aspects of the illness, which include more alternate personalities than earlier researchers believed could exist. The reviewer concludes by stating that todays view of dissociativeidentitydisorder is one personality divided into abnormally personified components.
From the Paper " An article titled "Multiple Personality Disorder" written in 1944 by Taylor & Martin was located for comparison to two articles written more recently, "The Osiris Complex: Case Studies in Multiple Personality Disorder" (Ross, 2000) and "Multiple Personality Disorder: Witchcraft Survives in the Twentieth Century" (Piper, 1998). The 1944 article is frequently cited in articles written since 1980 and is considered a seminal work. Because two strands of thought regarding the disorder exist today, it was necessary to compare the old article to two contrasting concepts as articulated in the two more recent articles. The three articles were read carefully and summarized for basic themes, definitions, and differences."
Abstract This paper analyzes whether dissociativeidentitydisorder (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."
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 dissociativeidentitydisorder 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 DissociativeIdentityDisorder Causes of DissociativeIdentityDisorder Treatment of Patients with DissociativeDisorders
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."
Abstract This paper explains that, in DissociativeIdentityDisorder, an individual's identitydissociates, 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."
Abstract The paper explains that dissociativeidentitydisorder 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 dissociativedisorders 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'."
Abstract This paper looks at dissociativeidentitydisorder, 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."
Abstract This paper examines the role of trauma in the etiology of DissociativeIdentityDisorder (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)"
Abstract The paper defines dissociativeidentitydisorder (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."
Abstract The paper examines the studies done on early childhood trauma, amnesia and the multiple ego theories that prove the diagnosis of dissociativeidentitydisorder (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."
This paper discusses various categories of dissociativedisorders: DissociativeIdentityDisorder, Dissociative Amnesia, Dissociative Fugue and Depersonalization Disorder.
Abstract This paper explains that dissociation is a defense mechanism against trauma, which helps remove victims of trauma from the experience at the time when it occurs, allowing them to delay working through the trauma. The author points out that the cause of dissociativeidentitydisorder is unknown, but histories of patients diagnosed with this disorder indicate that a commonality is a traumatic event such as childhood physical or sexual abuse, commonly incestuous, the death of a close relative or friend during childhood or witnessing a trauma or a death. The paper relates that the symptoms of dissociative amnesia and fugue tend to disappear spontaneously; therapy can focus on the stressful factors, which may trigger an episode, or on treating accompanying depressive states.
Table of Contents
Categories
DissociativeIdentityDisorder History
Description
Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-IV)
Etiology
Psychodynamic Perspective
Behavioral Perspective
Treatment
Dissociative Amnesia
Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-IV)
Types of Dissociative Amnesia
Etiology
Dissociative Fugue
Etiology
Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-IV)
Treatment of Dissociative Amnesia and Fugue
Depersonalization Disorder Etiology
Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-IV)
Treatment
From the Paper "Different parts of the personality are alternately allowed to be expressed or remain repressed at any one time. They cannot coexist due to the intense anxiety that would result. Therefore, each is sealed off from the others. You might think of a rock being split in many pieces and each separate piece forming its own space that becomes sealed off from the other pieces. It is believed that the split occurs because the child who is exposed to a traumatic event and unable to escape dissociates and takes on other personalities to cope with the pain. It is also believed that person's who are susceptible to hypnosis are more likely to develop this disorder when exposed to severe trauma."
This paper discusses disorders regarding the mechanism of dissociation, in which the mind separates or compartmentalizes certain unpleasant or painful memories or thoughts from normal consciousness.
Abstract In this article, the writer explains that dissociation is a disruption in the usually integrated functions of consciousness, memory, identity or perception of the environment. The writer discusses that dissociativedisorders interfere with a person's general functioning, including social relationships and work. In this paper, the writer focuses attention on the phenomenon of dissociateidentitydisorder (D.I.D.). The writer discusses causes of D.I.D. and possible responses. Further, the writer looks at related treatment or therapy.
From the Paper "The human brain stores traumatic memories differently from normal memories. Traumatic memories are dissociated or separated and can break into consciousness without warning and the person cannot control these memories. They do not combine with normal memories and, in time, these traumatic ones can change one's personality and develop dissociative identity disorder or multiple personality disorder. Dissociative identity disorder or D.I.D. has several levels of severity and begins suddenly. It is a new phenomenon in the US and, as such, is often misdiagnosed. D.I.D. is considered the most severe form of all dissociative disorders. Causes of D.I.D. include an innate ability to dissociate easily, repeated and sever physical or sexual abuse in childhood, lack of supportive person who counteracts the abuse, and the influence of other relatives who already have the disorder or its symptoms."
This paper discusses disorders regarding the mechanism of dissociation, in which the mind separates or compartmentalizes certain unpleasant or painful memories or thoughts from normal consciousness.
Abstract In this article, the writer explains that dissociation is a disruption in the usually integrated functions of consciousness, memory, identity or perception of the environment. The writer discusses that dissociativedisorders interfere with a person's general functioning, including social relationships and work. In this paper, the writer focuses attention on the phenomenon of dissociateidentitydisorder (D.I.D.). The writer discusses causes of D.I.D. and possible responses. Further, the writer looks at related treatment or therapy.
From the Paper "The human brain stores traumatic memories differently from normal memories. Traumatic memories are dissociated or separated and can break into consciousness without warning and the person cannot control these memories. They do not combine with normal memories and, in time, these traumatic ones can change one's personality and develop dissociative identity disorder or multiple personality disorder. Dissociative identity disorder or D.I.D. has several levels of severity and begins suddenly. It is a new phenomenon in the US and, as such, is often misdiagnosed. D.I.D. is considered the most severe form of all dissociative disorders. Causes of D.I.D. include an innate ability to dissociate easily, repeated and sever physical or sexual abuse in childhood, lack of supportive person who counteracts the abuse, and the influence of other relatives who already have the disorder or its symptoms."
A Comparison of Three Textbooks on the Subject of DissociativeIdentityDisorder: "Psychology" By John W. Santrack, "Essentials of Abnormal Psychology in a Changing World" By Jeffrey S. Nevid & Beverly Greene and "Abnormal P..."
1,000 words (approx. 4 pages), 3 sources, 2001, $ 35.95
Abstract This paper takes a brief look at these three books, including differences in style and approach to their subject matter.
From the Paper "All three of the textbooks I compared offer different perspectives on the subject of dissociative identity disorder (DID), but are similar in many ways. One of the ways in which the textbooks are the same is in the way that dissociative identity disorder is defined."
A look at the clinical diagnosis of gender identitydisorder, the cause and prevalence of the disorder, and controversies within the counseling profession related to gender identitydisorder.
Abstract This paper reports the diagnostic criteria and typical course of gender identitydisorder including the theories of this disorder and the etiology and prevalence of this disorder. Evidence-based treatments found to be most effective are also reported as well as a consensus and controversies of the disorder in this field of study.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Clinical Diagnosis
Cause and Prevalence of GID
Controversies in the Field
Evidence-Based Therapies
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "The work of Duncan Osborne entitled: "Voices- Identity Crisis" relates the condition and the controversies very well in a story that tells of a five-year-old boy whom he treated. Later the child was treated as an adult. Osborne relates that generally these children who have been diagnosed with gender identity disorder grow up to be homosexual. Osborne reports a study conducted in the early 1980's by Green who finds that, among 44 such boys with gender identity disorder that: "...75% were either gay or bisexual and one wanted sex reassignment.""
According to Osborne, Psychologist Kenneth J. Zucker, head of Toronto's Child and Adolescent Gender Identity Service at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, is a "leading GID expert who has seen roughly 625 children or adolescents since 1978." (2003) According to Osborne, Zucker states that: "The majority of kids will have resolved their gender dysphoria and identify themselves as gay. We're also going to find that around 15% have a significant gender dysphoria that has persisted into adolescence and young adulthood to the point where they are wanting sex reassignment. If we add on to that a small minority of kids who report being heterosexual, we're seeing a real range of outcomes." (Osborne, 2
Tags: theories, assigned sex, cross-sex roles, mood disorders, surgery
Abstract The paper briefly describes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV-TR) criteria for definitive diagnosis of gender identitydisorder. The paper also discusses the psychoanalytic perspective of the disorder as well as possible biological correlations related to sexual orientation.
From the Paper "Sexual and gender identity disorder, also known as transsexualism, is a disorder in which the individual strongly identifies with the opposite sex. It is a disorder primarily because of the significant physical (actual) and psychological (perceived) disparity existing within the individual, leading to psychosocial distress. The disorder can manifest during childhood or adolescence. Subjectively, this may be described as a "man (or boy) being trapped in a woman's (or girl's) body" or vice versa. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV-TR) diagnostic criteria requires four or more conditions to be met."
