Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Literature Review

Abstract

Interest in dissociative identity disorder (DID) in psychiatry has increased rapidly although epidemiologically the cases of patients with DID are still rare, several studies exist trying to understand how DID might occur and the best therapeutic approach. Some of the symptoms of DID can also be found in non-clinical populations even though they are not directly related to the disorder. The findings of DID are often associated with other psychiatric disorders and can complicate the diagnosis. Various studies have tried to understand the case of DID either objectively or subjectively. Diagnosis of DID must be diagnosed by carefully experienced clinicians with clinical interviews with some proper tests that could help to identify various identities. Current DID therapy may be able to strengthen the identity of the patient’s control and prevent impaired social functioning of the patient. Many pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments have been developed to improve symptoms of the disorder, but none of them have been effective due to the quality of the studies conducted. Further research is still needed on DID as a whole to assist in the correct diagnosis and therapy for DID patients.