Multiple Personality Disorder - Information for Families
by Vicki Koenig, PhD. and Jonathan Kessler, M.A., M.F.C.C.
Multiple Personality Disorder (also known as Dissociative Identity Disorder)
is a severe mental illness characterized by the presence of two or more
separate identities that control the individual's actions and behavior. This
is accompanied by an inability to remember important personal information
that is beyond the scope of ordinary forgetfulness. Typically, while in
one "identity" the person will not have recall or consciousness of actions
that were taken while in another "identity". These identities may have
very different aspects, mannerisms, likes and dislikes, etc, and may
go by different names.
For some general thoughts on dealing with a loved one's diagnosis of a mental
illness such as Multiple Personality Disorder , please see our
"Mental Illness - Information for Families" page.
Although the term "Schizophrenia" is commonly used by lay people to refer
to multiple personality disorder, this is in fact completely wrong and
inaccurate. Schizophrenia is a separate mental illness, characterized
by delusions and/or hallucinations, but without any features of a
separate personality. For more information, see our information page
on "Schizophrenia".
In addition to the obvious feature of distinct and separate personalities,
this disorder is characterized by amnesia, as one identity may have no
awareness of the actions of another identity. Significant portions of
childhood may also be forgotten. Suicidal or aggressive tendancies may
be present in one or more identities. More than 2 identities may be
present, but in over half of all reported cases feature 10 or fewer identities.
Treatment may include inpatient or outpatient therapy, and may feature
medication, "talk therapy", and other therapeutic interventions.
If your family member is out of control or suicidal (danger of harm
to self or others), stay calm and call 911. Do not try to handle it alone.
