Multiple+Personality

=** M u l t i p l e P e r s o n a l i t y D i s o r d e r **= = By: Michelle and Dillon =

(Marsh)

This disorder is also known as ** Dissociative Identity Disorder **. It falls under the brain disorder category ("Multiple"). Multiple Personality Disorder is identified as the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states in one individual (Kane). These different personality states continually have power over the victim's personality, and they are called alters (Dryden-Edwards). When this disorder is first diagnosted there is an average of two to four personalities that can progress into more than 15 during treatments ("Dissociative").

** Signs and Symptoms include :** -Lapses in memory -Mood swings -Depression -Anxiety -Panic Attacks -Phobias -Complusions -Paranoia -Sudden anger -De-realization ("Dissociative") *Individuals with this disorder also have a high risk of committing suicide (Kane).

There is no proven ** cause ** of DID, but the theory states that it develops as a reaction to childhood drama. This condition is not literally hereditary, but having a family member with it may indicate a potential vulnerability (Dryden-Edwards).

(Dombeck)

An example of an individual with this disorder may have completely different personality types including: one that is nearsighted, one with perfect vision, one that loves pop music, and one that only likes rocks (Kane). The general public and doctors both view this disorder as exotic ("Multiple"). Society is often critical and expresses a great amount of prejudice towards victims with this disorder ("Multiple"). Due to this, many individuals with this disorder attempt to keep it a secret from others.

Thankfully, there are several **treatments** for Multiple Personality Disorder. __Psychotherapy__- Therapists try to help clients improve their relationships with others and experience feelings they were previously scared to feel. __Hypnosis__- This increases the information about the different identity types of the victim, so they will have increased control of them. __Medications__- Specific medicine to treat depression and anxiety can improve the condition of the victim, however caution must be used because the sufferer may become traumatized. (Dryden-Edwards)

Other related disorders: [|Dissociative Fugue Disorder] [|Psycholgenic Amnesia]

Works Cited “Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder).” //WebMD//. N.p., 2011. Web. 15 Apr. 2011. . Dombeck, Mark. “United States of Tara.” //Mentalhelp.net//. CenterSite, 31 Jan. 2009. Web. 15 Apr. 2011. . Dryden-Edwards, Roxanne. “Dissociative Identity Disorder.” //Medicinenet.com//. N.p., 2011. Web. 15 Apr. 2011. . Kane, William, ed. //Health Matters!: Mental Health//. Vol. 2. Danbury: Grolier Educational, 2002. Print. Marsh, Tony. "Does President Obama Have Multiple Personality Disorder?" //The Lid//. N.p., 3 Mar. 2009. Web. 15 Apr. 2011. . “Multiple Personality Disorder.” //Lucidpages.com//. N.p., 2000. Web. 15 Apr. 2011. .