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ONSEN® BLOG / Expert advices

Multiple personality – facts and myths

30 października 2024
multiple personality, split personality, personality disorders
Contents
Mechanism of dissociation in multiple personality
Treatment of multiple personality
Support elements in DID therapy
Myths about multiple personality
Coping with DID
Among many people, multiple personality is also known as DID, dissociative identity disorder, or split personality. It is a mental disorder of high complexity and complication. It is characterized by the presence of two or more identities, and possibly states of personality, within one person.

Each of these two or more identities has its own unique patterns of thinking, behavior, and emotions. They may even differ in age, gender, or preferences, which further complicates life. As psychologist Mateusz Nesterok points out, this disorder is a way for the psyche to cope with overwhelming stress and trauma, dividing painful emotions and memories among different identities. He indicates that this aims to protect the individual's psychological unity, remaining a natural process.

Importantly, multiple personality is not a temporary state. This disorder serves as a permanent defense mechanism in response to intense trauma. As Nesterok emphasizes, it mainly affects individuals who have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional abuse during childhood. Those diagnosed with multiple personality often have episodes in which different identities switch, subsequently controlling their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, leading to difficulties in normal functioning.
dissociative personality disorder, human psyche, mental disorders

Mechanism of dissociation in multiple personality

Dissociation is a process in which the mind disconnects from reality to better cope with excessive stress or pain. In the case of multiple personality, dissociation occurs at a deep level. The psyche literally disconnects different parts of the personality, assigning each to different identities. As the psychologist adds, this type of dissociation is a form of psychological protection that allows a person to avoid fully experiencing trauma.

Each identity is meant to cope with various situations for which it is designed. A nurturing personality is often observed, which takes control in moments of stress. A child identity is also common, maintaining memories from the childhood period when the trauma occurred. Generally, switching between identities usually happens under the influence of stress or trauma-related stimuli. For this reason, individuals with DID often experience gaps in memory. These are periods during which a different identity took control.
personality dissociation, dissociative disorders, psychology

Treatment of multiple personality

In every case, treatment of DID requires commitment and patience. It must be visible on both sides, from the patient and the therapist. This is an extremely rare mental disorder that requires complex treatment methods. The goal of conducting psychotherapy is not to eliminate individual personalities, but to properly integrate the personalities into a cohesive identity. Therefore, in clinical practice, the foundation for treating multiple personalities is therapeutic approaches that focus on restoring the patient’s control over their own life, which requires processing traumas.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is highly effective, although it requires modification to meet the individual needs of each person. CBT focuses on identifying negative patterns of thinking and behavior in this case, aiming to modify them. In the context of individuals with DID, it helps them better understand their emotional reactions and behaviors of various identities, teaching them to cope with these in a more adaptive manner.

Proper application of cognitive-behavioral therapy will help a person with multiple personalities gradually learn to effectively recognize situations that most often trigger dissociations resulting in switching identities, allowing for more conscious management of emotions. As highlighted by psychologist Mateusz Nesterok, CBT provides patients with the tools to understand that these different identities are part of their psyche, not independent entities.
Multiple personality disorder can be treated in various ways.
Effective is also the EMDR method (ang. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a therapy used in treatment of trauma, which is the most common cause of DID. During EMDR sessions, the patient recalls traumatic memories while performing eye movements stimulated by the therapist. This technique aims to appropriately process painful experiences to reduce their emotional intensity. This, in turn, is intended to facilitate the integration of these memories, making them easier to accept.

With multiple personalities, EMDR therapy has documented effects across many cases. It aims to dismantle the traumas that sustain the separation of identities, yielding numerous successes. By applying EMDR therapy, patients can gradually break through emotional barriers, ultimately integrating painful memories, which is a necessary step toward recovery.
Dissociative identity disorder, due to its complexity, requires therapy with an experienced psychologist.
Psychologists also use integrative therapy, which has shown positive effects. One of the main goals of treatment is the integration of different identities, so that the patient can regain a sense of internal unity. Initially, integrative therapy involves making the patient aware that they have different identities, which may seem separate but are actually part of one mind, helping them to understand this. The therapist then supports the patient in the process of accepting their identities, aiming for them to be recognized as integral parts of the self. Over time, there is a gradual merging of identities until they ultimately become one.

It is important to remember that the process of identity integration is challenging and often meets resistance from the client, usually out of fear of losing their own "self," which is an unfounded concern. Mateusz Nesterok emphasizes that integration is not about erasing personalities, but rather a complex process in which the patient begins to understand that all parts of their identity belong to a single whole. Each has served a kind of protective function, which needs to be explained to them. As the client begins to accept their different identities, the opportunity arises to connect them into a cohesive whole.
multiple personality, DID, treatment of split personality

Support elements in DID therapy

The ultimate effectiveness of multiple personality therapy also depends on external factors. This includes social support and a safe environment, similar to other mental disorders. Individuals with DID who receive understanding and acceptance from family and close friends are treated more effectively. The therapist's work also requires the patient to have openness to difficult experiences. Therefore, an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding, built by both parties, is essential.

Regularity of therapy is also important, as individuals with DID need stability to learn how to recognize their identities, allowing them to manage them in a controlled way. Therapy requires time and commitment, so it's crucial for the patient not to feel pressured for quick results, and for the therapist to patiently support them at their own pace.
dissociative identity disorder, multiple personality, DID

Myths about multiple personality

The most common myth about multiple personality disorder is its identification with schizophrenia. In reality, these are two different mental disorders that are treated differently. Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. In contrast, DID is a dissociative disorder, where there is fragmentation of identity but without delusions or hallucinations.

In the case of DID, there is a separation of different aspects of identity, whereas patients with schizophrenia have issues with processing reality on several levels. Individuals with DID may have an awareness of the existence of other identities, although they do not always have control over their switching. In schizophrenia, patients are often unaware of their disorganized thoughts and sometimes completely believe in their delusions.
Multiple personality disorder and schizophrenia are two different disorders.
Another myth is the unfounded belief that people with multiple personality disorder are always or almost always dangerous to themselves or others, although this is quite rare. This image has unfortunately been greatly fueled by pop culture, where individuals with multiple personalities are often portrayed as unpredictable or prone to violence, especially in thrillers. In reality, these individuals often suffer from internal chaos and emotional pain rather than posing a threat to others.

Often, the presence of childhood trauma that has led to the development of DID results in self-harm and other forms of self-destruction, but this does not mean these individuals are aggressive towards others. They usually seek help, support, and stability, with no desire to cause harm. It is important to remember that this stereotypical image harms individuals with multiple personality disorder. This often leads to strong stigmatization, making it difficult for them to receive appropriate help.
Individuals with dissociative identity disorder do not have to be prone to violence.
The term split personality is commonly used as a synonym for multiple personality disorder. This term suggests the existence of two distinct identities living within one person. However, this is a flawed concept that fails to capture the essence and reality of dissociative identity disorder, where the number of identities can be much greater. Additionally, each of these identities serves a different function, reflecting various aspects of trauma.

As Nesterok explains, the splitting of the self in DID does not consist of a simple dichotomy between two identities, but rather the creation of a sort of internal community that results from complex defense mechanisms in response to traumatic experiences. Therefore, referring to split personality is an oversimplification that leads to many misunderstandings and alters the perception of multiple personality disorder as a complex condition.
two personalities, identity fragmentation, split personality

Coping with DID

It is important to know that multiple personality disorder is one of the most complicated mental disorders. Therefore, it requires a comprehensive therapeutic approach based on understanding. Treatment relies on long-term therapy aimed at integrating identities and processing traumas. Through methods such as CBT, EMDR, or integrative therapy, individuals with DID can regain control over their lives, reducing identity shifts and facilitating easier living.

Psychologist Mateusz Nesterok, who collaborates with ONCEN®, further emphasizes that effective treatment of multiple personality disorder requires courage from the patient and patience and empathy from the therapist. Very often, the healing process is relatively long, but the right approach allows those with multiple personalities to gradually integrate different aspects of their identity. Consequently, this leads to the rebuilding of a sense of security within their body and mind.

We also encourage you to explore other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the ONSEN® team of specialists. For those who care about spine health, we recommend a set of spine exercises prepared by our physiotherapist.
mattresses, best mattress, mattress ranking

FAQ: Dissociative Identity Disorder

How to recognize Dissociative Identity Disorder?

Dissociative Identity Disorder, also known as DID, is a mental disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states that alternately take control of a person?s behavior. These identities can vary in names, character traits, memories, and behaviors. People with DID often experience memory gaps when one identity is in control, leaving events and experiences inaccessible to other identities. It?s important not to confuse DID with "split personality."

How does a person with DID behave?

A person with Dissociative Identity Disorder may suddenly change the way they speak, behave, gesture, or carry themselves depending on the active identity. Sudden mood shifts and changes in personality traits may also occur. Additionally, individuals with DID often struggle with memory issues, having difficulty recalling events that happened while a different identity was in control.

Is it possible to have three personalities?

In a way, yes. A person with DID may have three or more distinct identities. Some cases even describe a dozen or more personalities that play different roles in the individual?s life.

Are schizophrenia and DID the same?

No, schizophrenia and Dissociative Identity Disorder are two distinct disorders. Schizophrenia is characterized by disorganized thinking, hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech and behavior, whereas DID involves the coexistence of different identities within a single body. While the two are often confused, they differ in causes and symptoms.

What is personality fragmentation?

Personality fragmentation is the process in which a person?s psyche divides into separate identities. This is a defense mechanism in response to extreme stress or trauma, often experienced in early childhood. This division allows the person to avoid psychological pain by creating distinct identities to carry traumatic memories and experiences.

Contents
Mechanism of dissociation in multiple personality
Treatment of multiple personality
Support elements in DID therapy
Myths about multiple personality
Coping with DID
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