What is dissociative identity disorder?

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a complex mental health condition. It was previously known as 'multiple personality disorder'. DID is when someone feels that they have 2 or more separate identities. These are also known as personalities or 'alters'.

The separate identities or personalities can be different for each person with DID. They may take the form of:

• a person of any age or gender
• a spirit or figure from a culture or religion
• a human, animal or mythical creature

Having a second identity is different to making up an imaginary friend to play with.

Each identity of a person with DID may have separate:

• names
• genders
• voices
• behaviours
• mannerisms
• opinions
• memories

Having 2 or more identities can impact the life of a person with DID. This can include problems with:

• relationships
• socialising
• work and study

What are the symptoms of dissociative identity disorder?

DID can cause different symptoms in different people.

A person with DID may suddenly switch between their different identities. This can happen if something reminds them of their previous trauma. A person with DID may not be aware of switching identities. They may behave or talk differently.

DID can cause gaps in memory or amnesia, This means that the person may not remember:

• everyday events
• important personal information
• traumatic experiences

They may not be able to recall memories from when they were in another personality state.

Having different identities can make a person with DID feel like:

• they have more than one person living inside their head
• they do not have control over their thoughts
• they can hear voices

This is not the same as having hallucinations with schizophrenia, which is caused by psychosis.

People with DID may also have other health problems, such as:

• anxiety
• depression
• a substance abuse disorder
• other personality disorders
• seizures

What causes dissociative identity disorder?

The main cause of DID is severe trauma in childhood. This may include physical or sexual abuse. It can also include other traumatic events, like a medical procedure.

If you experience trauma, you may dissociate. This is when your brain tries to separate you from your experiences so that you can distance yourself from and cope with the trauma. Briefly losing focus or 'zoning out' is not the same as dissociation.

Dissociation can make you feel disconnected from your:

• thoughts
• memories
• feelings
• sense of reality
• sense of self

Dissociation can make it more likely for you to develop multiple personalities.

When should I see my doctor?

If you think you have DID, speak to your doctor. They can help you get support. Your doctor can refer you to a mental health professional with experience in DID such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can help diagnose what you are going through.

How is dissociative identity disorder diagnosed?

To diagnose DID, your psychiatrist or psychologist will ask you about your:

• experiences with trauma
• experiences with separate identities
• memory
• lifestyle

It can take time to get the correct diagnosis. This is because DID has similar symptoms to other mental health disorders.

How is dissociative identity disorder treated?

The main form of treatment for DID is long-term psychotherapy. This can sometimes include hypnosis.

In psychotherapy for DID, your therapist will help you to:

• feel safe
• make sense of and work through your past trauma
• improve your symptoms

The goal of therapy for DID is integration. This is where your identities exist together in a way that allows you to function better in your daily life.

Other therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy can help treat other mental health issues that someone with DID may have.

There is no medicine to treat dissociative identity disorder. You can ask your doctor about medicines to help with symptoms like anxiety or depression.

What are the complications of dissociative identity disorder?

DID can be distressing. If untreated, it can make it difficult to function in your everyday life.

If you have DID, you may be at higher risk of self-harm and suicide.

Can dissociative identity disorder be prevented?

Early treatment and support can help prevent harmful behaviour and reduce the risk of suicide in people with DID.

Resources and support

If you feel you may have DID, there are organisations that can help.

• ReachOut has information on types of mental health professionals, confidentiality and tips on choosing the right mental health professional.
• Beyond Blue has resources to find a mental health professional and what they do.
• Medicare Mental Health has information on preparing for your first appointment.

Check the healthdirect directory of mental health resources.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people

You can visit the 13YARN website for mental health resources. You can also call on 13 92 76.

Beyond Blue has helpful contacts for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Languages other than English

Visit the Embrace Multicultural Mental Health website for information in different languages.

Information for sexually and gender diverse people

Visit the QLife website for resources for sexually and gender-diverse (LGBTIQ+) people. You can call them on 1800 184 527 for support.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.