A split personality disorder is known clinically as dissociative identity disorder and was previously called multiple personality disorder. This is characterised by an individual having two or more distinct personalities or personality states that endure over time. Alternative personalities are known as ‘alters’ typically, and on average, the first appearance of an alter occurs as young as three years old.
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What are the Symptoms?
These are some of the diagnosable symptoms of dissociative identity disorder:
- The presence of at least two distinct personalities
- A prolonged inability to remember personal information beyond forgetfulness
- Loss of identity
- Change in ability to function
- Loss of sense of time, self or consciousness
What Causes Dissociative Identity Disorder?
Often, dissociative identity disorder is caused by overwhelming, traumatic or abusive experiences during childhood or formative years. This is a significant risk factor in developing multiple mental illnesses, especially dissociative identity disorder, and a wide variety of traumatic experiences have been listed as reasons that such a disorder may develop. Examples include neglect, warm terrorism and childhood prostitution. It is also believed that sleep can also play a role in the potential development of personality disorders.
Childhood physical and sexual abuse is a common reason for the development of the disorder. Other people describe experiencing overwhelming stress or severe illness, which caused them to develop such an illness. Psychological trauma can go a long way in affecting the psyche and the development of such disorders. Overall, issues surrounding stress, trauma and attachment all play into the way we develop and, as a result, influence psychological development, which can lead to mental illnesses, especially dissociative identity disorder. Despite childhood experiences often influencing these developments, children are rarely diagnosed with DID.
Guided Meditation
While the best course of action when suffering from a dissociative identity disorder is to seek professional medical help, many who suffer from mental illnesses choose to supplement this with holistic treatments such as guided meditation. Guided meditation allows you to centre yourself and gain grounding, increasing calm and decreasing stress. As a result, it can be both preventative in developing such illnesses and helpful for those who suffer and seek to ease their minds. Over time the practice of guided meditation can improve your quality of life and positivity in a way that actively aims to heal and support mental illnesses effectively through both support and the development of appropriate coping mechanisms.