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ABOUT

The Beggining

As stated in the origins, in 1944 there were only 76 recorded cases. This has often leda to the constent recategorization of the disease. Hence going from "Multiple Personality Disorder", to "Dissociative Identity Disorder". However, those 76 reported cases were prior to the hollywood dramatization of the disease. Through various Movies, TV shows, Cartoons, Novels, and Comic Books the disease has become widely know. Of course with the general population more familarized with the disorder, more cases are continuously popping up.

More reported cases can only be considered natural w/ the familarization of the disorder, but the stats are compleatly overwhelming. Take for instance 1940's, not to long ago, many of you have parents born in this time, when an average of one case was reported per every 10 months in the United States. Now take the 1990's where an avergae of 10 or more cases are reported per day, per state.

The Dramatization

One can only assume that after watching the critically acclaimed Sally Field movie Sybil, or after reading an issue of the widely popular Moon Knight comic book one might research the depicted disorder (DID), and but of course the creation of the internet makes this task but that much easier. They may come across the symptoms then either assume they, or someone they know has the disease.

The problem is that Dissociative Identity Disorder, due to its interesting nature, is more widely depicted/known that more common disorder w/ the same symptoms. (click here to view a list of common disorders, w/ links to more information).

The Debate

Conversely, dissociation is now recognized as a symptomatic presentation in response to trauma, extreme emotional stress, and, as noted, in association with emotional dysregulation and borderline personality disorder. Often regarded as a dynamic sub-symptomology, it has become more frequent as an ancillary diagnosis, rather than a primary diagnosis. A full blown DID diagnosis, that intends an individual is evidencing quantifiable multiple personalities and presents itself independently of a primary personality disorder, remains rare.

The debate over the validity of this condition, whether as a clinical diagnosis, a symptomatic presentation, a subjective misrepresentation on the part of the patient, or a case of unconscious collusion on the part of the patient and the professional is considerable (see Multiple personality controversy). Unlike other diagnostic categorizations, there is very little in the way of objective, quantifiable evidence for describing the disorder. This makes the disorder itself subjective, as well as its diagnosis.

It is simply hard to tell if the patient claiming to have the disorder is truly displaying multiple personalities, or simply believe they have the disease and are either subconsiciously making it up, or putting on a show for the psychologist during the interview process.

The main points of disagreement are:

>>:Whether MPD/DID is a real disorder or just a fad.

>>: If it is real, is the appearance of multiple personalities real or delusional.

>>: If it is real, should it be defined in psychoanalytic terms.

>>: Whether it can, or should, be cured.

>>: Who should primarily define the experience -- therapists, or those who believe that they have multiple personalities.

>>: Skeptics claim that people who present with the appearance of alleged multiple personality may have learned to exhibit the symptoms in return for social reinforcement.

"Sybil"

One case cited as an example for this viewpoint is the "Sybil" case , popularized by the news media. Psychiatrist Herbert Spiegel stated that "Sybil" had been provided with the idea of multiple personalities by her treating psychiatrist, Cornelia Wilbur, to describe states of feeling with which she was unfamiliar.

In that, she never had the disorder. The act of creating multiple personalities to express how "Sybil" was feeling was a suggestion that horribly took over the fragile patient entire persona.

Go Ahead, Diagnose Youself

Simply put try and think of a movie or book that deals with Multiple Personalities. Already thought of one? Wow that was fast. Did you think of the Jim Carrey Comedy "Me, Myself, and Irene", or did you think of Stan Lee's pop cultural icon "The Icredible Hulk". No matter. Now think of somebody you think might have multiple personalities. Wow, already thought of one. Was it your mother, a freind, or even yourself? Eh, no matter. Now, look at all the symptoms, effects, and affects...still matches the person you are thinking of? Well,what are you going to do. Will you tell this person you believe they have Dissociative Identity Disorder? Or if you, believe you have it, will you see a doctor claiming you have the disorder?

You see, thats normally how it works, thats why so many people believe they DID. It was a pretty simple, quick, and generic process was it not?

Additional Research

For more information on the Multiple Personality Controversy, click here.

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