History of DID

• The first documented account of a person possessing “multiple

personalities,” now known as dissociative identity disorder (DID),
was written about a 20-year-old German woman who began
speaking perfect French and spoke German with a French accent
in 1791.

• She had memory of everything she did while she was the “French
Woman;” however, she denied all knowledge of the “French
Woman” while carrying the personality of the German.
• The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders (DSM), defines dissociative identity disorder as “the
presence of two or more distinct personality states or an
experience of possession. The overtness or covertness of these
personality states, however, varies as a function of psychological
motivation, current level of stress, culture, internal conflicts and
dynamics, and emotional resilience
TREATMENT
• Some medications may help with certain symptoms of DID, such
as depression or anxiety. But the most effective treatment is
psychotherapy. A healthcare provider with specialized training in
mental health disorders, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist,
can guide you toward the right treatment. You may benefit from
individual, group or family therapy.

• Therapy focuses on:

• Identifying and working through past trauma or abuse.

• Managing sudden behavioral changes.
• Merging separate identities into a single identity.
PREVENTION OF DID-IS IT POSSIBLE?
• There’s no way to prevent DID. But identifying the signs as early
in life as possible and seeking treatment can help you manage
symptoms. Parents, caregivers and teachers should watch for
signs in young children. Treatment soon after episodes of abuse
or trauma may prevent DID from progressing.

• Treatment can also help identify triggers that cause personality or

identity changes. Common triggers include stress or substance
abuse. Managing stress and avoiding drugs and alcohol may help
reduce the frequency of different alters controlling your behavior.