Dissociative identity disorder (DID), formerly known as multiple personality disorder, is a complex mental health condition characterized by two or more recognizably distinct personality states. The exact prevalence of DID is challenging to determine because individuals with DID may not seek treatment or may be misdiagnosed if they do. While estimates predict that DID is rare, impacting less than 1% of the population, some experts believe it is more common.
DID profoundly impacts the lives of those who have it and their loved ones. An accurate diagnosis is critical to dissociative identity disorder treatment. At Harmony Hills, we specialize in treating complex mental health disorders like DID. Most individuals diagnosed with DID have severe trauma histories, so we work from a trauma-based treatment approach.
Whether you or a loved one has received a DID diagnosis or needs an evaluation, Harmony Hills can help. Contact us online or call855.494.0357 to learn more about our dissociative disorder treatment program.
DID Diagnosis Criteria
There is no single test or procedure to diagnose DID. Doctors, psychiatrists, and psychologists work together to perform a series of medical tests, psychological assessments, and interviews to rule out other possible causes of DID symptoms.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) provides all mental health diagnoses guidelines. According to the DSM-5, the criteria for a DID diagnosis include the following:
- Presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities, each with its own pattern of perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the environment and self
- The disruption in identity involves marked discontinuity in the sense of self and sense of agency, accompanied by related alterations in effect, behavior, consciousness, memory, perception, cognition, or sensory and motor functioning
- The disturbance is not a normal part of a broadly accepted cultural or religious practice
- The symptoms are not due to the direct psychological effects of a substance (e.g., blackouts or chaotic behavior during alcohol intoxication) or a general medical condition (e.g., complex partial seizures)
- The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning
Diagnosing DID requires a high level of clinical skills and experience. Accurate diagnosis involves ruling out conditions, including bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and schizophrenia, which all present with similar symptoms.
What Are the Benefits of a Diagnosis for Dissociative Identity Disorder?
Receiving a dissociative identity disorder (DID) diagnosis can feel frightening for the affected individual and their friends and family. However, an accurate diagnosis can be beneficial in several ways, including the following:
- Accessing appropriate treatment
- Understanding your symptoms
- Validation of your experiences
- Improving communication skills and relationships
- Connecting with others who share similar experiences
- Uncovering and healing trauma
- Developing coping skills to manage symptoms
- Learning to identify triggers
- Treating co-occurring disorders
- Improving your quality of life
Overall, receiving an accurate diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder can provide a sense of relief by knowing what is causing your symptoms, allowing you to access adequate support and resources, and obtaining legal and financial assistance, such as disability benefits, if needed.
Find Treatment for Dissociative Identity Disorder at Harmony Hills
At Harmony Hills, we help clients foster daily living skills, coping mechanisms, and healthy habits to promote their overall well-being while providing comprehensive, evidence-based, and holistic treatment for dissociative identity disorder.
Our highly-experienced, compassionate staff takes the time to get to know each client personally to provide care and treatment catered to each individual’s needs and recovery goals. The main objective of DID treatment is to help clients integrate their different personalities to create a cohesive sense of identity.
Harmony Hills is dedicated to using the most current evidence-based, holistic treatment modalities for DID, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Art therapy
- Movement therapy
- Mindfulness meditation therapy
- Yoga, Qi Gong, and Tai Chi
- Spiritual counseling
- Family therapy
We understand that living with DID can be scary and confusing. Therefore, we provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where you can recover from trauma and learn to manage DID symptoms to live your best life. Contact our team at 855.494.0357 to begin your path to recovery.
