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People living with dissociative identity disorder (DID) experience two or more separate personality states called ‘Alters’, ‘personalities’, or ‘parts’.
The majority of people with DID have been through severe trauma in early childhood, and dissociate as a way of coping with a situation that is too violent or traumatic for their conscious self to handle.
Treatment and support can help people with DID lead long and fulfilling lives.
Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a complex psychological condition characterized by a type of dissociation where a person experiences two or more distinct identities called ‘Alters’, ‘personalities’ or ‘parts’. It is usually a long-term condition that occurs in response to extreme trauma. DID was called multiple personality disorder until 1994, when the name was changed to reflect a better understanding of the condition.
A person needs to meet the following criteria to be diagnosed with DID1:
People with DID also commonly experience symptoms of complex PTSD and other mental health issues, like depression, anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts1.
DID looks different for each person, and people can have a range of symptoms which appear at different times. Some people have a small number of Alters, while others can have dozens or hundreds. People with DID may be aware of their Alters and be able to co-exist in harmony, while others may not.
"I have mild awareness of some Voices, like shadows I notice from time to time. Others I have complete awareness of both their sound and what I believe they look like. I am aware of their preferences, moods, attitudes, behaviours and what they are capable of."
Some people also experience ‘co-consciousness’ where more than one Alter has some awareness at a time, while others may experience memory loss (dissociative amnesia) at these times. An episode of amnesia can occur suddenly and may last minutes, hours, months, or years. A person may not be aware that they have experienced memory loss. Despite stigmatising portrayals of people with DID and their Alters in the media, there is no link between DID and violence. People with DID are safe to care for children and be part of the community and employment.
Estimates on the prevalence of DID vary widely, and few studies are available using up to date diagnostic criteria. In the general community, it is estimated that around 1.5% of US adults meet diagnostic criteria for DID2, but other studies estimate it is more common because DID is often underreported.
DID is caused by severe childhood trauma, such as physical, verbal or sexual abuse3.
While there is no known ‘cure’ for DID, treatment and support for DID is available, including psychotherapy. It can take a long time to figure out the right treatment, but there can be significant benefits. For many people, the aim is to achieve a state of ‘resolution’ where Alters co-exist harmoniously without impacting the person’s goals and coping, or to have better control over switching.
People with DID should try to see a mental health professional with experience with dissociation and trauma-informed care. It might take time to find the right mental health professional, but it is important to persevere and explore options.
Treatment for DID is usually long-term and involves stages4:
Treatment can help people with DID cope with symptoms, but can also help in other ways. For example, treatment can help people manage their emotions, improve relationships and a sense of connection, cope with stress, manage work or study, and more.
While there is no medication that can treat dissociative disorders themselves, medications may be prescribed for associated depression, anxiety or other health issues.
If someone you love has been diagnosed with DID, you may feel overwhelmed and confused.
It can help to educate yourself as much as possible about DID. It’s a great idea to look up information, Forums and other support groups relating to DID. Talk to a mental health professional to get accurate information and to voice your concerns.
Treatment for DID involves revisiting past traumatic experiences, which may be upsetting for friends and family. Make sure you look after yourself, and seek help to look after your own mental health.
Self-help strategies include:
Living with DID can be challenging, but with support a full and meaningful life is possible.
To chat with others who live with mental health issues, including DID, visit our safe and anonymous online forums.
1. American Psychiatric Organization. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5). In: 5th ed. American Psychiatric Association; 2013.
2. Dorahy MJ, Brand BL, Şar V, Krüger C, Stavropoulos P, Martínez-Taboas A, et al. Dissociative identity disorder: An empirical overview. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry [Internet]. 2014;48(5):402–17. Available from: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
3. Şar V, Dorahy MJ, Krüger C. Revisiting the etiological aspects of dissociative identity disorder: a biopsychosocial perspective. Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2017;10:137.
4. International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation. Guidelines for Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder in Adults [Internet]. 2011 [cited 2023 Mar 9]. Available from: https://www.isst-d.org/resources/adult-treatment-guidelines/
In January StigmaWatch condemned the Hollywood horror film Split for its portrayal of people living with dissociative identity disorder as violent villains.
StigmaWatch received several complaints in the lead up to the film’s Australian release and, after attending a preview screening, SANE CEO Jack Heath issued a statement that was picked up by media outlets including The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, Canberra Times, Sunday Sydney Telegraph, Mamamia, 110 regional Fairfax publications and ABC Radio National AM program.
An email was also sent to SANE’s database, along with a lived experience story and article busting the myths around dissociative identity disorder posted online.
Social media support for the campaign was strong, with more than 309,000 Australians reached.
National mental health organisation SANE has condemned new Hollywood horror film Split which trivialises complex mental illness and depicts people living with dissociative identity disorder as violent villains.
The film starring James McAvoy is set to screen in Australian cinemas from January 26 and features a man living with dissociative identity disorder, formerly known as multiple personality disorder, who kidnaps three young girls.
SANE CEO Jack Heath, who attended a pre-screening of the film last night, says Split reinforces the notion we need to fear people living with complex mental illness.