Chapter 6 part 4 Flashcards
Define dissociative identity disorder
- Adoption of as many as 100 new identities
2. They all simultaneously co-exist in one body and mind
Define “alters”
Separate identities
What are the four diagnostic elements for DID from the DSM-5?
a. Disruptions in identity, alterations in behaviour, affect, cognition and perception
b. Recurrent gaps in the recall of everyday events
c. Causes stress and impairment in important functional areas
d. Symptoms can’t be attributed to the physiological effects of a substance
Define “the host”
a. The identity who asks for treatment and who becomes the patient
b. The host is rarely the original identity
Define “the switch”
a. Transition from one personality into another
What are three reasons why it is difficult to determine real DID from fakes?
a. DID individuals are very susceptible
b. Objective tests show that people with fragmented personality are not simulating or faking
c. Malingerers are more likely to show symptoms willingly, while actual DID people want to hide
What is the average number of identities in DIDs?
15
What is the ratio between women and men for DID?
9:1
When does onset occur in DID cases?
Early childhood
How many years are usually between first symptoms presentation of DID and diagnosis?
7
Although frequency of switching may decrease with age, why is it still important to get treatment?
If left untreated, will persist the entire lifetime
What is the relationship between DID and other psychological disorders?
Many DID patients have high co-morbidity with other psychological disorders
What are causes of DID?
- Often horribly abused as children, both sexually and physically
- Thus, DID is rooted in a tendency to escape from the unremitting effect associated with childhood trauma
What is the link between suggestibility and DID?
- People with DID are more suggestible
Define the autohypnotic model
a. People who are suggestible may use dissociation as a defence against extreme trauma
b. People who aren’t suggestible may develop PTSD instead
What are some biological contributions to DID?
- Fifty-fifty for genes and environment
2. Strong evidence that sleep deprivation can cause dissociative symptoms
What are three potential treatments for DID?
- Reintegration of personalities thru long-term psychotherapy
(Only works for 25% of people) - Use methods that work for PTSD
- Limited evidence that anti-depressants may aid therapy
What is involved in the use of PTSD methods for treating DID?
a. Involves confronting early trauma, but must be careful not to shatter the personalities further
Why is it important to tease out early repressed memories of childhood trauma
a. The memory must be re-enacted and teased out in order to prevent PTSD
b. Perp punished
What is the guidance of the CPA with regards to early repressed memories of trauma?
- The CPA says that testimonies should never be accepted without corroboration
