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What is Multiple Personality Disorder?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Multiple personality disorder is now more usually termed dissociated identity disorder. It is one of the more misunderstood types of mental illness, frequently capturing the interest of writers and filmmakers, who tend to portray it in its most exaggerated form. What is most important to understand is the multiple personality disorder is not schizophrenia. The two are often confused. However, in very rare cases, a personality, or alter, as it is sometimes termed, suffers from schizophrenia.

Multiple personality disorder is almost always caused by persistent trauma, or past trauma such as early childhood sexual or physical abuse. When trauma occurs over a long period of time, the affected person may begin to cope by completely disassociating from the events that cause the trauma. This can lead to “alters,” separate personalities within the same person who either are aware of, or are unaware of the abuse. Alters can be childlike, strong, male, or female, and often emerge as a coping device.

Multiple personality disorder may develop as a result of early childhood abuse.
Multiple personality disorder may develop as a result of early childhood abuse.

Psychiatrists make the distinction between a person having several personalities, and believing they have several personalities. In general, multiple personality disorder is the belief on the part of the patient that several personalities seem to exist within the self.

One of the main characteristics of multiple personality disorder is that people seem to “lose” time. They seem unaware that time has passed; yet someone observing them may see them acting in many different ways. The afflicted however, tends to have no idea what has occurred. This generally central personality seems most likely to dissociate if the person is exposed to situations which can evoke earlier traumas, or if the person is still enmeshed in a traumatic situation.

Individuals with multiple personality disorder tend to "lose" time.
Individuals with multiple personality disorder tend to "lose" time.

Other symptoms of multiple personality disorder include depression, confusion, suicidal thoughts, phobias, differing levels of ability to function “normally,” anxiety, and self-medication, such as alcoholism or drug abuse. Additionally, those with multiple personality disorder may self-harm, have a high degree of panic or panic attacks, have eating disorders or be prone to headaches.

Hypnosis may help treat someone who is suffering from multiple personality disorder.
Hypnosis may help treat someone who is suffering from multiple personality disorder.

As portrayed in films, multiple personality disorder seems to always consist of a number of very distinct personalities, which is not always the case in reality. Rather, those with multiple personality disorder may pass from greater awareness to less, without putting on a different accent or assuming a completely separate identity, though some do experience distinct personalities. Multiple personality disorder that results in crimes, as presented in several television series and with great effect in the Richard Gere film Primal Fear rarely exists.

Alcoholism is one symptom of multiple personality disorder.
Alcoholism is one symptom of multiple personality disorder.

The primary treatment for multiple personality disorder is therapy, which may include play therapy, hypnosis, art therapy, and/or talk therapy. Medication is usually not preferred because of the likelihood of overdose, and because the dissociative state is not chemically induced. The goal is to get alters in communication with each other, so that the person does not continue to dissociate from reality. A secondary goal is to be sure the person is removed from any ongoing traumatic situations, such as removing a child from an abusive home.

Persistent trauma is usually the cause of multiple personality disorder.
Persistent trauma is usually the cause of multiple personality disorder.

When the person has reintegrated different personalities, there may still be need for treatment, possibly drug therapy to treat underlying psychological conditions like chronic depression or schizophrenia. However, while the person is still “losing time,” drug treatment may be completely ineffective because the person may not remember to take the medication or may accidentally overdose.

Therapy, such as talk therapy, is commonly used to treat multiple personality disorder.
Therapy, such as talk therapy, is commonly used to treat multiple personality disorder.

Therapy is usually a long process, particularly when one has suffered repeated trauma. It can take several years for the patient to begin to feel fully conscious at all times of his/her actions and thoughts. However, clinical research suggests that therapy for multiple personality disorder is effective, if the therapy is continuously pursued.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon991926

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when I was 12 by a doctor who didn't really talk much to me. I feel kind of like she just threw a label at me then sent me home. I read up about it and it really didn't appeal to me. It didn't seem like it fit my issues, but as the years went on, I began to notice something was really wrong with me and I couldn't figure out why I was so crazy. I didn't realize it as much until people started pointing out my odd moods and the extremely different ways I act.

I have voices in my head but they haven't always been there. There's only one voice in my head that I have most of the time, and it sounds just like me, but with a creepy accent. I can make myself sound just like her if I try. She tells what an awful a person I am and the reasons why are all dead on. Like, she's really right and it makes me want to kill myself because I really don't want to hurt anyone.

She makes me afraid of myself because I'm not really sure who I am. I feel like I'm a really good person. I love people, I'm good to people and I'd do anything to make someone happy. But sometimes, I'm really not that person at all, but I can recognize when I'm acting impulsively or aggressive or overreacting I just don't really recognize that it's not me. I don't completely black out; I've only done that a few different times and when I did come to, I scared myself with what I left behind.

I have a lot of personalities. I've been trying to figure out who I am lately, so I started writing my personalities on different pages, I'm up to five but there's way more, but the thing is, my personalities don't have names; I'm not different people. I do have two names but they're both me. It's not like I'm a child or senior or opposite sex. It's me, but I gave myself a new name because I'm scared of the other one. I hate to hear her name. I refuse to let anyone that's known me by that name to call me that.

The reason I started researching personality disorders is because my husband recently left me and he refuses to tell me why. My mother also quit speaking to me and has no explanation either, and there are some other things that have happened to me that lead me to believe that there is a part of me that I cannot connect with -- someone who does evil or is deceitful or a thief? I don't know. I have never noticed these things.

One of me is all of those things, but not towards the people I love. I was just wondering is there a possibility of that? I know from my research I definitely have MPD, although I don't have different names for my persons, but is there a chance that there is someone inside of me who is hurting my loved ones in some way that I have no connection with? Because I'm sincerely scared. I'm scared for my kids and my loved ones so much that I'm thinking I should kill myself to save them from me.

I don't want to kill myself. I just want to be good to the people I love, but I'm starting to worry my mom and husband and friends are just protecting me from a side of me that they don't want me to know about. Maybe it's because they know me well enough to know I couldn't live with that I probably really would kill myself, because I have no control over that person inside of me. If she's there, I've never met her.

Does anyone have any idea who I am? Or even some confirmation as to whether that's possible or not? Please, I'm so scared and everyone I know cannot relate to me about this. They have no idea what I'm talking about; they just tell me I'm psychotic. I need some real help but this is the only place I can get it because I definitely don't like doctors or therapists. Please help, ASAP!

anon964055

I am 49 and four years ago, wanted to try therapy for the first time in my life. I do not say I have DID or MPD. I think it takes courage to say it, so kudos to those who not ashamed. I think of it as compartmentalizing.

How this disorder affects me is through isolation. I cannot cultivate relationships beyond a brief shallow encounter. I have not dated in 10 years. I am so isolated because I am too embarrassed by the crap that comes out of my mouth. Sometimes I can hear it, other times not and I can't say anything that sounds halfway reasonable to make odd conversations normal. These are conversations I would never have, but hear coming out of me. I do not trust myself to not slip into a different compartment.

Also, I feel different than woman my age. I feel 27. I can hold down a professional job well. No issues there. Odd though, at work I have to blare rock and roll or rap directly in my ears while working. People are amazed I blare Eminem and still type investigations, etc. I can't focus without it.

I have never written in to anything but felt compelled. People were writing events due to this disorder and I wanted to share the effects it has had on me. In those four years, I cycled through six therapists due to severe trust issues. But I currently have a great therapist whom I completely trust. I just want to fix this to make friends and date. No one besides my therapist knows anything about the trauma I have lived. Not one person due to trust issues and never wanting to feel like a victim. Wishing all of you (literally) peace.

anon355478

anon327365

I'm an Indian girl and have been told by my psychologist that I have a personality disorder. I feel less spacy when I touch or see any living or non living thing. I often feel muscle strain in my legs and trunk. I have a habit of improving thoughts, and the excessive thinking ends in loud self talk. Please suggest a psychiatrist in India.

xen01

I'm just looking for advice here. I will be as brief as possible. I had a girlfriend, now the mother of my daughter. When we met, she would tell me weird stories about her family (her father ran away with her older 12 year old sister because they were 'in love'), she told me she'd hear voices, she'd tell me demons told her to do things, and her lying was beyond crazy -- from simple things to outrageous. She appeared so quiet and normal, though.

I felt we needed counseling. She told the doctor all she told me, and blacked out easily during discussions. She would say she 'wasn't kathie' (which was her name). She was diagnosed with MPD/DID. Later, she tells people we are broken up, but we're not. More lies. I took her to custody court for our daughter. She denied everything I said above - said she was never diagnosed, I am making it up, etc., etc. Finally, the court tells the doctor to give the information to the court appointed doctor. (I'm thinking the truth will surely come out). Well, she admitted she was diagnosed and the lies - but said it was all an act. She said me and the first doctor put her up to it. She said I told her she had to act that way or I'd leave her.

The second doctor reported what she said and seemed to believe her story. (of course, he is so smart, he got the truth from her after all the lies to everyone else). Anyhow, I cannot understand this. Is there something wrong with this picture? I have since heard from other doctors that her stating she 'pretended' to have bpd (blaming others for the act) is a mental illness itself. I am just plain confused. I feel I am living in the twilight zone. Any advice would be appreciated.

anon304995

I have MPD and the doctor told me there are no real meds you can take for it. I get real bad headaches blackouts normally last up to a few days when they come out. Anything that you can tell me would be helpful.

anon293643

My girlfriend has this and you know what? I get scared when it happens. I love her and I feel helpless against what she says are people inside of her: a psycho, a prep, an acrobat, a guy and a 72-year-old lady. She says these are people who will not go to heaven and just stay in her mind. I have talked to them and I'm scared of them.

Please help if you can. I don't know what she's going through. I love her too much to see this happen. Please help, like giving me a website to study or something.

anon288207

I have MPD. I'm not sure how many I have but I have one named Blood, and he's very murderous, deadly and heartless. He wants to kill for fun he tries to take over whenever I'm extremely stressed, sad or angry, but he hasn't taken over yet.

blrod11

@Anon283632: This does not sound like MPD (a.k.a. DID) to me, but it does sound a bit like a case of repressed memories. The problem with repressed memories is that even though you cannot consciously remember them, they still affect you. If you want to get a handle on them, you need to seek out a professional and work with them, both to pull up what is affecting you and to help you deal with the realities that your mind (your subconsciousness maybe) has decided were too rough to allow you to remember without help.

It sounds like you have been through some very rough experiences that no one could cope with and still function. Unfortunately, those kind of things always leave a mark. Your mind basically "kicked the can down the road" to try to buy some time until you could cope with what you have experienced. Now its ability to kick the can is almost finished. Now it's time for you to seek help and pull the pressure off of your subconscious and process what has been stored in a "quarantine" pen. That way, you will be able to master your past and your future. It's not easy at all, but at least you will know the why's of what you do, and not be controlled by the unknown.

Hope this helps.

anon283632

I am a 19 year old lad about to enter university life. I grew up in a small village and as a result had very little human interaction (in comparison to my friends, peers, relatives etc.).

My father left me when I was a year old and I was raised by my mother with my sister. We both witnessed bouts of physical abuse from our mom's boyfriend, both directly and indirectly, although he would go a lot easier on us than on our mom. But despite this, he is mere muttered words of a forgotten man because I cannot seem to remember barely anything from my childhood. What I ca can remember is bad but very clouded and like only short snippets of a movie reel.

I have had convulsions at night when trying to go to sleep and have denied myself sleep by physically beating myself and mentally vocalising. I have a very bad memory which has led me to believe in certain cases that I'm being taken advantage of by my friends, and recently I've been doing things out of character and have had trustworthy friends tell me that I've said something which I honestly 100 percent could not recollect.

I also slap myself uncontrollably whenever I think back to regrets, a thought process which also seems uncontrollable. This mainly happens in my family home, but as I only live with my mom at the moment, it has gone unnoticed. Although this has diminished in recent months, I fear it's going to come back with a vengeance. Could this be MPD? If not, does anyone know what this could be?

amypollick

@anon267718: This doesn't sound like MPD, to me, but I am not a psychiatrist. It does sound like blackout drinking. Many people have the same symptoms when they drink to excess: loss of time, out-of-character behavior, aggression, etc. And they have absolutely no memory of it happening.

The only way to stop blackouts is to stop drinking. That's it. Since you have experienced sexual abuse and have been feeling pressured into having sex, it would probably be a really good idea for you to see a counselor to talk about what's going on. Good luck.

anon267718

I am a girl, and I have had this happen to me twice now, the second time being last night. I've been losing time and functioning completely without realizing it. It feels like there's a black hole in my memory which made me feel when I woke up this morning that it happened again and my suspicions were correct.

They start off when I drink. Last night I drank a bottle of wine. I was with my partner and this sexual beast comes out of me. I switched off from about 10:30 p.m. until I woke up the next morning. Apparently, I showered and had hours of rough, out of character sex, and it makes me worried for my safety. The first time it happened was a dangerous situation that made me need to quit my job due to the person involved.

There is no communication with whatever takes over. I have tried to ask why but nothing happens except I get this really eerie feeling like something inside me really doesn't want to know and I feel defensive in my chest. I have encountered mild sexual assault as a child, and have been in situations where I go along with sex for the other person's sake often. I really want to know what to do and how to not let it get worse.

snowy143

I’m turning 21 this year and yesterday I watched this “CSI” series, and there was a girl with a MDP. It alarmed me a lot when I knew the symptoms!

I realized that what I have done all this while are the signs of having MPD, and I can see the reasons -- why “he” and “she” came to me in my mind and my life.

I have a really troubled family, went through a hard life since my parents divorced. Worse, they both got remarried and yes, I have step siblings. So complicated.

I am trying to cope and I didn’t realize what I created in me. “He” has been my consultant in every way. He

manipulates my emotions and planning for my future. I love when “He” helps me. When I cry and sulk or am in any emotional state, “He” likes to be in control. It’s me, the “He.

Most of the time it is I, actually, I lost which one is the real me? I think I just switched. I don’t know. I’m so confused.

All that I can say is that I had a terrible life, until now. I’m afraid of men, relationships, to be close to someone and darkness.

“He” seems to control me more. Yesterday, I lost the memory of what I did the whole evening, and today when at work, my boss asked for the work, and I said I didn’t know. He already took it before, but gave it back to me in the afternoon. This morning my boss went nuts looking for the files and documents, and all of a sudden I feel different in my mood and I remembered that I had sent them to the other department. I calmly told my boss what I did with my work. I was not feeling guilty at all, so it was not me. “He” knew it all the time, and only said it when “He” popped out!

I used to talked to “He” and “She” and myself. Sometimes there’s just two of us and sometimes there’s another that pops into my mind, and even the words came out loud. I can hear myself saying them, but it feels like it’s not coming from me! When I think of it again, I feel so scared of myself.

I once, I think, have attempted suicide, but like someone mentioned before, as I get myself close to God, it calms me a bit. Just a bit.

I really want to get help. I need it. I switch a lot. It depends on the surroundings and other reasons. Where should I go? What should I do ? I’m from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

I can only watch everything. When I try to get a grip on myself, “He” will pop up, and “She” will cry inside me, asking me not to go against him. I’m so lost.

I flash back a lot too, and the more I did, the more of “He” and “She” I can see. Anybody, please help me.

anon206027

my mother has suffered from multiple disorder for 20 years. she was treated with many medicines and doctors but yet not cured. can you suggest to me the way to cure her, please?

anon164784

my sister in law is a sufferer of multiple personality syndrome. her personalities have mood swings all the time and take out their aggression on me i have tried to understand what she is going through but it is hard sometimes. are there any books that i could read that would help me understand more. or are any sufferers willing to help me understand more?

blrod11

The difference between multiple personalities and what everybody deals with is the presence of persistent and consistent personalities. Everybody may have a brain fart or not want to deal with some bad things, but not everybody has blank spaces lasting for days or months where another personality runs the show.

anon160746

i think everybody have this more or less, but for some people it becomes effective for their day today lives. multiple personality disorder is something we get in order to protect ourselves from bad situations. When communication difficulties and phobias are with this disorder it becomes a bad experience. communication difficulties happen as the brain doesn't function well. sometimes you even feel that your brain doesn't work.

anon160740

i feel like i seriously have this. I have so many personalities. I face different situations and different people with different personalities. Sometimes i'm more like a child. I have vocal communication difficulties which began a year ago, but this multiple personality disorder sometimes protects me and makes me comfortable, but also it make me uncomfortable when i have communication difficulties.

Although I'm a gal i can act as a boy too, and even like a child. I always try to keep away from the society because I'm afraid they'll reject me. Well, there was a time where i was rejected by society, but after my multiple personality disorder came into action i could work well and as I'm like a child everybody began to love me.

i want to know whether will this become a huge problem, a huge illness? i sometimes really get comfort from this, but would still like to get rid of it as i also understand I'm getting social phobia and all. That makes me really uncomfortable.

anon159871

I wanted to know if talking to yourself almost extensively is normal when I found this site. It was hilarious because it described me. And then it was even more hilarious because i came to a realization. I say I'm bisexual but i don't feel bisexual. I feel like I'm straight, but then i feel like I'm a lesbian.

I don't feel them at the same time, but on different occasions depending on the situation and sometimes feel disgusted with myself later.

It seems that a part of me is very nice and outgoing, but whenever i feel down something just tells me that I'm no good and I'm stupid and it feels like it controls my actions and, yeah, and then there's other part that feels carefree and doesn't want to do anything, ever, and another who puts everything to get done with, mostly housework.

i don't get them at the same time and i don't feel myself when i feel urges to do the above, all at separate times according to whatever is going on. like i feel the urge to bake and clean at random and it's just not me. like myself, but due to me doing it all the time i say it is like me even though it doesn't feel right to say it.

it's all a confusing mess to speak about and i feel like I'm putting this into the wrong words but whatever. I'm posting it. i feel happy now that i understand myself.

blrod11

Both of the personalities you know are based on the core original you, that is probably why they seem a little familiar. Usually they have just dealt with different aspects of your overall life. Experiences have shaped them differently then you, so they are also different. Some may be carefree; some may be bitter and angry.

You can get to know them internally, but you will have to understand that their experiences are not the same as yours. Can you accept what they've gone through? Can you help them all see that you all are in this together?

That is usually the tipping point. Getting to know them, then accepting that whether you like it or not, you are all in there together. It may stink, but there it is. After that, it's down to working out the details. Just like with any family or group. Working out priorities, goals, likes dislikes, etc.

It helps if you have someone who you all can trust, who can act as an anchor for you all. Sometimes that person is a therapist, sometimes they are just a solid "lay person".

It takes time, but you can learn to communicate with them, you can learn to share the body simultaneously, you can watch what is going on outside when someone else is "in the pilot's chair". You can share your experiences, and learn about each other. It is just not easy, and you have to learn to open yourself up to, well, yourself.

And just a side note, usually there are many more than two. The average number is somewhere between six to twelve, from what research has shown.

anon156907

Thank you for finally making clear what I feel. I feel two personalities, but both seem like me. Until recently, I couldn't tell which was the true me, but then one started taking form as a girl about my age. I see her in my mind and out of the corner of my eye sometimes. Two minutes ago I fought myself, I almost killed myself. I can't take therapy, and I have not told anyone about this. Is there any self therapy techniques to use? Please help, I'm scared.

anon153293

i came here purely curious, and am leaving this website somewhat alarmed, (slightly) scared, but still curious. please do not be insulted if i ask: what are the people in your heads are like? are you constantly fighting them, or are they just there? what is it like switching personalities? how does your body change (if it does) and why? if you can converse with them, do you already know they'll say, or will they surprise you?

what is it like when you are not in charge of you're body?

tara1977

-anon134396 I just wanted to let you know you aren't alone in what you're going through. I just recently found out around last month November that my boyfriend that I've known since high school and was always friends with but nothing more, but he had interest in me, has MPD.

I didn't realize it till his alter couldn't make the same promises he had made to me before, and then I finally got an answer as to why this happened, he told me he currently has two personalities, one who is like a demon who wants to hurt everyone and who lies and wants him unhappy even if he's happy with me, and another alter who doesn't come out all the time but seems more positive and level headed, but is very kind and concerned.

All I know is I am trying to learn all I can on his disorder, because we both want to get married someday down the road, and I figured since I love him and can't imagine my life without him I better start learning more about his disorder, so I started watching Sybil with Tammy Blanchard it's a awesome movie and I can't wait to finish it! I highly recommend to help with your question, if you love your friend and/or boyfriend, just be loving, and supportive and patient and tell him how much he means to you and that you aren't going anywhere, and that you are going to stick by him, that's what I've done with my man, and I know this is deep down what he needs even if he isn't in the best of moods, which comes from many things like confusion and losing time, I can't even imagine what it's like to be in his shoes, but if I could trade places with him to ease his pain I would in a heart beat!

I know if you just show compassion and love and acceptance and are just there for him whenever he needs you, I'm sure everything will be fine. I pray daily and every night for my man and I to get through the hard times, and so far it's worked, prayer works miracles and God is amazing. Just ask him to see this through, and I am sure everything will work out for you, just don't give up, because love is worth fighting for and love always wins in the end I truly believe. Good luck with your man and have a Merry Merry Christmas, and awesome New Year!

blrod11

Anon112292, I don't know what decision you made, but in my experience, trust is a very big issue with DID. If you go "behind" her back, secretively, it will look to her like a betrayal, and her pdoc will be professionally bound as how he can respond to your input.

Maybe the best way to help her is to get her to change her view about her psychologist. And by that I mean instead of thinking of him or her as an opponent that they have to outsmart, think of "them" as a guide, who can help them sort things out and "guide" them through the brambles and the burrs.

If your SO changes their mindset about their pdoc, then all kinds of progress is possible. Especially if they go in with specific issues in mind.

By that I mean - I have issues with dealing with people who are not "pulling their weight" on the job. Why be concerned about your work, not theirs, aAs opposed to "I have MPD...fix me" which is a huge situation, with numerous related issues.

She should probably start working on the "support" issues, and if her pdoc can help her with them, then he or she will gain more trust and be able to help and support her more.

You just need to help her focus a little, and be there for the inevitable crashes, which will be numerous. But if there is someone to help pick her back up and give her a hug, she might well be willing to step back into the "ring".

With out support, she may very well quite, or keep on the path she is currently on, which is going nowhere. Hope this helps a little.

blrod11

anon134396, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but most people with DID, or MPD, however you prefer to call it, have between a half a dozen and a dozen personalities. And each has their own history and motivations, thoughts, and wants.

Generally speaking, their overall want is for what is best for the overall system, or the overall central personality. As long as you are best for "them" or "her", you will still be around. If "they" ever decide you are a threat (and that can be any number of things, including realizing (if they become aware of your awareness) that you know something is odd.

You don't actually need to be a threat, just be perceived as one. The chance that the "secret" is out is often enough to cause a reaction.

Often the hard part to deal with is that the "pro" side, or the side that is for a relationship with you, is truthful, and heartfelt. But it is equally countered by a distrustful side that has very good reason to be distrustful.

And that is the hardest thing to deal with: the part that loves you honestly needs and wants that trust and closeness, but those other parts have taken the burns and the hurt unto themselves, and have become very distrustful, because they don't particularly like getting burned.

It is a tricky road to navigate to keep the trust and love, while dealing with the testing (and if it is DID, or MPD, you will be tested), and remembering who you are and why they were attracted to you in the first place, and why you were attracted to them too.

All I can say is good luck, and be forewarned, you may be going into difficult territory. Kit up, and be prepared.

anon134995

thank you, this helps me understand my life a little more. Everyone please research mind control and programming!

anon134396

I've recently found out that somebody I know has MPD. he has two personalities, one positive one and one very negative one that thinks he's an awful person. The positive personality tells me he loves me but the other one hardly knows me. I don't know whether we can ever have a relationship and if so, how could it ever work and is there anything I can do to help him?

anon133901

My partner of several years, has 14 different personalities. Ranging from 5 to 45, male, female and different races. Though some of them are an extreme of my partners own personality, they are in fact their own "person".

anon123673

am not suffering from MPD but i was reading a book about it. i was not abused but whenever i get hurt i deny it and keep all the pain inside. i get upset and mad quickly over only little things that can be solved and i tend to have sex just to forget my problems and sometimes i do things which are not normal to me.

anon112292

my girlfriend and i are gay. she was raped by her brothers best friend when she was three years old for a very long time.

i think she may have a multiple personality disorder. I'm so scared for her. i don't know what to do. she goes to therapy but barely tells the therapist anything, no matter how much i tell her she needs to tell her what's going on with her.

I'm thinking of taking matters into my own hands and emailing the therapist what's going on and hoping that she can get better somehow. I'm so scared.

anon109899

I am a 30 year old aboriginal women with a mother who has DID. I used to have a lot of anger towards her but now that I am older and more aware of this disorder, I know it isn't my mother's fault for the way she is today.

Growing up was pretty hard, but I'm not saying that she is the worst ever. She read books to me as a child, which were great. I used to keep a list of the names who used to come out of her, but I threw it away.

I never spoke about her condition till I went to treatment back in 2007 where I finally told women about my story. I would share more but this is how far I can share.

anon89486

i'm amar, 18 years old. sometimes i feel uncomfortable. i don't know why but that time i can't think about my surroundings. i get a heavy headache and i become so angry.

by nature I'm not this type of person but at that time i can't remember anything. when i was in class nine, i got a very high fever approx 102. sometimes i feel something is wrong with me. i do that deed which i don't want to do. Please help. is it a case of MPD?

anon88560

I have a very good friend with a bad MPD. She has had over 15 distinctive personalities. And she just recently turned 16. They all started from being raped by her cousin when she was younger.

When I originally met her she had two others apart from herself. Then two more surfaced which she thought were long gone. Just recently I was told two of the old ones have left.

However, she is still left with a threatening teen, a suicidal preteen, and a conniving child. How is that possible? She has a horrible home life. Her sister, whom she doesn't see for months at a time, is a drug addict. She claims she is not allowed to show affection in her house and apparently her mother witnessed her being raped on numerous occasions and did nothing about it.

I have tried to get her to see a doctor or someone to help. Or tell her to call child services. She won't budge. She complains to everyone else, especially to me about her problems. I want to help her. But I don't know how.

anon86729

I am a 43 year old man who has had to deal with this as long as I can remember. Growing up, my parents had a friend that would come stay with them a lot. They would always have him share my room when he would stay with us.

I can only clearly remember two times, but I "know" he did it to me every night. I can remember the beginning of him pulling me to him and wrestling me under him, laughing, making a game out of it, tickling me, then touching me and rubbing on me. He was Italian and he had this smell and he was so oily and nasty. I remember my rage and anger, I remember trying to scream and him holding my face into the pillow.

Where were my parents? How could they not know? why did they let him do this? I remember someone at the door, the door cracked the light around the door, the shadow of someone standing there then pulling the door shut and walking away leaving me there with him.

I hated everyone, hated myself mostly. I wanted to be a girl and then it would be OK. Then people would believe me and protect me.

When I was 11, I spent the summer with my grandparents. My older cousin was there too, and we shared a bed. I had always been small. It started as beating me up and then he climbed on top of me and started wrestling with me and I knew.

I tried to fight him and he just hit me and laughed. He told me to put it in my mouth, I wouldn't. He got on top of me and tried to force me. I fought, I fought with everything I had, as hard as I could. He hit me in the head again and again. Somewhere I stopped fighting.

He had nighties, his mom's, my mom's he would make me wear them and he would call me his b* when he did me. He was angry and he hurt me, he wanted it to hurt and it did, every time.

Julie came to me and held me, comforted me and made me feel not so wrong. Julie made me feel beautiful, when everything around me was so ugly.

At first she was separate from me, imaginary? Slowly she became me, and with her my anger turned to shame. Julie would play with my mother's makeup and lingerie, and I would feel guilty and ashamed. I hid her, pulled her inside me and built walls around her to hide who she was, who I was.

anon85524

My friend has just told me she has this and I was looking it up on here to find out what it truly means. She says her moods change and alter from time to time without her control. Is this part of this disorder?

Also she got this through bullying and could you get this disorder from that? Thank you for your time and please help me.

anon83590

To bar031 - If you feel spiritually fractured maybe you need a soul retrieval ceremony. To find a doctor look up Many Voices Press.

Astraea is on line, they have many answers about being multiple, that it is not schizophrenia and not always an illness that makes you crazy. You could write notes to make friends with the others and live that way like a team. There's a woman who did it who died recently. She had 92 people and they worked on a book together. Good luck.

blrod11

All right. Sorry, I've got to answer with my own opinion on this. You call them demons. Do you remember the story about the footprints on the beach? What do you think happened?

In your arrogance, you missed our savior reaching down into each of them, and providing a tiny bit of himself to carry them through the bad times. And when he goes (by proxy) through the bad times for you, do you pray he goes away, or do you thank him for helping you?

Yeah, I do believe in prayer, but I pray for those who have trod the hard paths before me, or in lieu of me, so that I might not have to suffer so much.

Those are my prayers, prayers of thanksgiving, not prayers of disdain and dislike.

I sense you have a good heart, but there is no simple answer in this realm. I pray that you have the strength to reach out, and find out what has really happened, and really support those who have been hurt.

I don't know, maybe I'm going off the edge here (and I probably am), but walk with me to support those who have had the "joker" in life, who have had the worst experiences. Will you support them in finding the light? Or will you resort to trite sayings that comfort you in you times of (totally btw, relative) ease?

Take care, but can you really reach into the dark well? You are Godly, but can you go there? That is a bit deep, but I'm sure you have the strength to accept it.

anon79974

I sympathize with all these problems that my brothers and sisters in Christ are going through.

Please read the Holy Bible every day. Pray to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ without ceasing and all these demonic attacks will disappear. You are all in my prayers.

With love in Christ, a fellow believer.

bar031

I have tried to go to therapy but my therapist doesn't believe in MPD. I know there is something wrong with me and I feel spiritually fractured. I have huge gaps in the memory of my childhood even though I have vivid memories of sexual abuse. My therapist keeps trying to do cognitive therapy and convince me to "be more positive".

I practically have an MSW myself and my "parent" personality knows all about positive reinforcement and behavior therapy. So when she goes into the lecture about changing my thoughts my adult and parent side comes out but the core personalities and the "real" parts of me (which tend to be immature) are afraid to since she doesn't seem to understand!

But when I try to tell her what is really going on, or one of my hidden or child personalities comes out (because I feel like it is a safe place) she either ignores it, changes the subject, freaks out or lectures which causes my protector and adult personalities to come back out. It's like she's completely uncomfortable with the idea of MPD and the intense crazy memories/ stories that come up. So we are in a vicious circle that doesn't go anywhere.

I don't know what to do. It took me 10 years to reach out to come to therapy again and I don't feel like its working. I have spent quite a bit of money and time (almost two years) with this therapist and I don't feel like she "gets it".

I am not pretending or making things up, but I feel like she thinks I am, or at the very least over exaggerating or being a hypochondriac. Should I continue therapy with her or try to find a new therapist and start over? How can I find someone who "gets it"? How can I find someone who can help?

blrod11

Hmmm, in both of your cases, I'd recommend talking to someone about it. This isn't the kind of thing that comes up suddenly; one day you're "normal", then the next day out of nowhere, shazam!, you're different. What changes is your awareness.

Arch, talk to your mom. Ask her if this kind of thing has happened before. Has there been a pattern about it? Has it been going on for a long time (since childhood)? If you choose to go talk to someone about it, maybe she could come along to fill in details you don't remember, or help you figure out if there actually are problems going on.

As for body pains, headaches, forgetfulness, and especially the loss of time, those are consistent with mpd. I don't know that a run to the E.R. is necessary, but you do need to talk to someone about it. Unless, that is, you feel you might hurt yourself or someone else, then an E.R. visit would be well within reason.

When my SO first started realizing what was going on, it scared the bejeebers out of her, but she worked through that initial part to the part where she became willing to look at what was going on.

If you feel you need to visit the E.R., by all means do so. But usually what you need is someone to help you figure out what is going on.

It may sound a little odd, but just because you might be a multiple doesn't mean you're crazy, eh?

anon77903

I have some symptoms of this, such as loss of time, headaches, body aches, forgetfulness. Should I go to the E.R.?

anon77091

I'm arch, and i think I'm suffering from MPD. I was an engineering aspirant and for that i also dropped a year for my preparation but when the day of exam came, i told my mother that there was no exam that day, in spite of the fact i knew it last night before I went to sleep that i had to get up early and reach the exam center on time.

But instead of going there, i lied to my mother that i didn't have an exam that day. i kept sleeping.

anon75523

Good information, i'm glad i stopped by.

blrod11

First off, I'm so sorry to hear about what is going on with you. I do not have MPD, but the girl I dedicated my life to does. And when I read your post to her, the first words out of her mouth was, "boy does that sound so familiar. I remember that time, and that was how I felt."

Now, for advice, and you may not like it, but do what you have to to get back in school: alternative school, GED, whatever. You and the others in there with you have got to realize that, no matter what they think about the here and now, that stupid piece of paper is very important. And that is no joke.

My significant other dropped out when she was sixteen. Her life was going crazy too. And yeah, short term, she made lots of money, but that ended. And what was she left with? Nothing. That is her single biggest regret. Get back in school in some form. Both for you and them, that is the best path.

Second thought: have you tried asking your other "me" (OM) why? And that isn't an easy thought, but I can say from experience, that if "he" exists, there is a reason for it. If you don't remember, that's because "he" went through some terribly bad times for you. And I say "he" because typically there are somewhere between a half dozen and a dozen "alters" or alternate personalities.

Each of them dealt with a facet of the life that you all lived that you didn't. And those experiences affected them. Deeply. But at the core, they all are based off of the same person you are based on -- the core you. You just didn't have to experience those things. They did.

So, reach out, say, "hey, why?" Write notes and leave them around where they will see them, send yourself e-mails (yes, they see them too), tell friends what you want to be "reminded" of, so they will repeat them back to you (or them). Something to try to stop the separate lives, and bring you all closer to understanding each other.

I mean, after all, they went through some really rough stuff for you, so don't they have the right to be heard? Sometimes all you really have to do is listen. Letting them tell how they feel will allow a lot of stress to dissipate. Trust me on that.

Third, seek some professional help. And I understand you have an inborn distrust of them, but whether they can help you with MPD or not, sometimes they may just be a disinterested third party that someone can come out and vent too. And just maybe some of their advice may prove helpful for whomever talks to the p-doc that day.

Just be sure to try to find one who knows what he or she is doing with MPD.

Next, have a talk, maybe after you talk to a p-doc, with your girlfriend. Understand that she may not want to hang around, but MPD is a really difficult condition to deal with, both for you and her. She may not be strong enough to hang around. But if you really love her, and she loves you, she will be invaluable to you all. Both you and your others. But it will require a lot of strength from her. I don't know if she is strong enough. And you need someone with strength of person (not abusive, but strong within themselves).

And in closing, when you think about your parents, do you get bad feelings or good? Those feelings may help you to figure out if they are part of the problem, or a possible sanctuary. And it is never easy for a parent to hear what has happened. But as a parent myself, I would so want my son or daughter to come to me with something like this. But that is up to your judgment.

If you don't sense they were a part of your trauma, reach out to them, and stand your ground. What I mean is once you say your piece, stand by it, be honest, but be firm. My significant other's dad just recently found out all that had happened to her when she was just a tot, and it hurt him to the core that he never had a chance to step in, that he was never really reached out to. It hurt him to the core.

In closing, no, I have not been in your shoes, but I have been in your girlfriend's shoes. If she (they) had trusted enough to take some of the steps I have mentioned, it would have made our relationship so much easier. But she didn't, and we will have to deal with that for years and years to come.

Good luck, you do not have an easy path. But you (all of you) have got to come together, because you do all affect each other (inside) and everyone around you. Don't lose hope. Take ownership of your life (collectively). Go forward to the future. Don't let the past hold you down. --Brian

anon72119

i really don't know what to do anymore.

i keep ruining people's lives because of my MPD. I'm 16. i can't remember when i was diagnosed with it. i dropped out of school and because of it i can't get a job and I've even turned to alcohol. I'm too scared to take pills.

I've had a girlfriend and i loved her so much and my other half of MPD dumped her and really likes ruining my life.

vishalvyas27

Blrod11: she's 48 now. no, there were no signs before like this. no, there were no signs in the past; it just suddenly started, though i just read about Alzheimer's disease or dementia after you told me and i think it's possible because the symptoms are the same and my aunt's grandmother also faced a problem like this.

it means it could passed along family lines of inheritance and it could definitely be "environmental influences."

For the past two days she suddenly cries and reacts horribly, just like Alzheimer's disease but according to Alzheimer's disease scientists say "environmental influences" and we believe in it so if we change environment send them to some nice places for holidays.

What do you think could help them to overcome this problem?

Thanks for replying. Thanks a lot. Because of your help i could maybe find a cure and hope for this disease. thank you very much.

blrod11

The diabetes story was online and posted by a medical doctor who had a patient whom he had a hard time figuring out. Just clarifying. Thanks

Bro 11

blrod11

vishalvyas27, one of the trade marks of DID, or MPD, is that the symptoms start in early childhood. If it is MPD, you should be able to look back over the years and see signs of differences that bewildered people, but no one could explain.

If there were no signs in the past, and this just suddenly (relatively speaking) started happening, then it is likely not MPD. Other causes could be Alzheimer's disease (which my own grandmother has), dementia, or a host of other problems that are normally attached to growing old.

How old is your mom? Were there signs before? Have things changed in some dramatic way recently?

These are some factors to figure in when looking for answers. You have some access to the internet, so you could possibly look up on some medical sites for symptoms and see if you can find something that comes close, and maybe some way to help limit it, if not full blown medical help.

Please consider this, and good luck. I wish you the best.

blrod11

Eyes changing color is not uncommon. In fact, from what I've read and seen, a whole host of subtle changes can occur with alters.

I've heard of some alters being affected by medicines, and others not, some being blind while most can see fine, some being diabetic and some having perfectly normal blood sugar. And that was measured while the person was in an inpatient status. That particular story was on online.

Additionally, I've read that they've done brain scans on people with MPD, and have actually seen changes in blood flow patterns in the brain when there is a switch between one personality and another. Pretty wild, but that is how powerful the mind is.

If you do some searching, there are web sites hosted by people with MPD, as well as support groups for people who have MPD.

I'm just suspecting that if you delve into to it a great deal, you will find a history for yourself that you have no knowledge of. Have your friends and family in place, and be ready to face some possibly uncomfortable truths.

Be ready to discover a whole new you. Good luck.

anon69264

I have been aware of having a few different personalities (living) within me since I was a teenager, I am 52 now.

This has never posed a problem for they have their usefulness most of the time. I only stared researching the MPD because this past year it has been brought to my attention that my eyes have changed color on two separate occasions.

I have noticed small changes from time to time in my past, but this is a drastic change I am talking about. Anybody else have this happen?

vishalvyas27

My name is vishal and I'm from india. i have my one aunt who's suffering from mental illness, we just don't know what it is.

we have tried to contact so many psychiatrists and doctors and they are saying its depression but sometimes my aunt does such things that we just don't get, like continuously shakes her hand, wrist and talks to people around her. We can't see any of them, but she can and she chats with them.

We have been facing this problem for the past four months. The problem is my aunt sometimes acts like she's normal and sometimes says things we can't believe and at night, she often used to scare us by screaming.

After this we know that this may be MPD but health wise she doesn't have anything; she's fit. But sometimes she chats with ghosts and yes sometimes she even calls people like me, my mom and dad and talks with them when we are not there.

her husband told us she was lying to us us when he asked who she was talking to. she got angry and say they are here beside me. She even talks to my mom sometimes while my mom is not there. When we tell her this truth, she doesn't believe us and sticks with that they are here beside her.

the problem is increasing day by day. some people around us who believe in ghosts and all, they told us that some soul inside her is doing such things and giving her so much pain.

But for the past three weeks we are feeling like she had lost so much weight and getting weak and we just don't know what to do. please help us. let us know what is this problem and how to overcome it?

blrod11

The voices are a trip aren't they? They're a bit overwhelming, especially as you start to learn all the stuff they went through that you don't remember.

Please be patient with them; they've been through a lot. And it may be many years before they tell you everything, if ever. It sounds as if you are being pretty level headed about it.

Just make sure you have some solid support, and maybe get some professional help for the stress you may go through (whether you want professional help with the voices is up to you, but don't let the stress overwhelm you).

And the different personalities having different accents and tones of voice is pretty normal when they are not trying to maintain the facade. Maybe you can in some way *subtly* acknowledge what you are hearing, and offer your support. But once you step in, you step in. There are support groups out there for people who support those with DID.

It's very hard to support someone over the long term. Eventually she will start wondering what is going on, and may think about seeing a p-doc. If that happens, let her know you will support her, but do not push. Pushing rarely ends well. his has to be her (their) decision.

In the meantime, stay calm, be the island of calm and stability. If you are hearing different voices, then they either trust you, or things are falling apart.

anon63987

Only recently have I heard the inner voices. At first within dreams and occasionally while awake. Only in short phrases. I have panic attack syndrome.

I was getting ongoing treatment for the anxiety in the form of healing called Cranial-Sacral.

All went well with that for several years. Then my dreams became vivid and sequential. For six months, every night was like an episode that continued from the previous. I kept notebooks. It felt like a war of sorts.

Then I sort of "got it." In other words, I knew it was my own sub conscious creating the voices. All my daytime events were normal but stories of my dreams made my hubby's hair stand on end at the breakfast table.

I can laugh now, just a little bit. Actually, I am an incest survivor. So it all fits. I have no history of the psychiatric couch so the idea of phony suggestions do not apply.

There may be something to getting the energy treatments to unlock it all. I want to add the anxiety level has gone down through all this as though it was a huge load that wanted to surface.

anon63697

I have a friend, and i believe she is suffering from MPD. at first, she was telling she is in contact with ghost. The ghost is her mother who is taking care of her in her body. When she calls me, I can hear a few voices through the phone. sometimes it's a man's voice, sometime a woman's voice. How can this explain a person who suffering MPD can create a few voices? Need urgent advice.

anon63612

I was diagnosed almost a year ago now. I have eight personalities, including the one most people know as me.

I do not want to get rid of this so-called 'disorder'. It is a little unnerving at times, yes, as I have a suicidal alter and a homicidal one as well.

It helps me deal with life though. As my alter Aydan often says, "The greatest revenge is by living, my darlings."

anon63388

I figured out how i gained a multiple personality as my own with help from my friends.

When i was younger, when somebody tried to make me mad or upset, I always denied they did it. I am very gullible and I tend to trust people very easily. When i lose that trust on that specific person, i have the ability to deny what they did and pretend as if it never happened. This of course was unhealthy for me.

Because of this, it ended up creating a whole new personality for me. This whole new person inside is the total opposite of me. He is rude, judgmental and uses bad language a lot. The dangerous part is that he thinks homicidal thoughts when he is really upset.

The weird thing is that he cares about my family as much as i do. If something happened to my family, i would probably die inside and most likely switch to my other self. He would probably kill the person responsible for hurting my family.

Just a little experience from me.

blrod11

I understand what you are saying about your parents, and that will come in it's own time.

What you did when you closed your eyes and spoke inside, was you communicated with them. And if you listen, they can also answer. My SO, and the other two people who I know who have MPD have all learned to communicate with their alters, and knows what they've gone through. They've "given" her some of the memories, but she knows what they've gone through for her. That is still MPD, but it is a sign of healing, and of you and your alters learning to trust more. If I were you though, I wouldn't try that too hard with out some solid support around, because sometimes when they communicate, they bring memories with them, and that can sit you on your butt for a bit.

I would also advise you to find friends that you can trust, and let them know what you are dealing with. Having people around whom you can relax and not worry about if an alter comes out will help you out immensely.

I suspect it is far more common than most experts think, and you are not alone. Good luck.

anon61616

Thanks for the info. The personalities do not come as often anymore maybe, because it seems like I have control.

I'm a computer freak, and I did a lot of research, and learned what some people did about their problems. Than after a while it started working. It seemed like I control them by closing my eyes, and telling what was going to happen, and what was not going to happen. (some say that, because I can do that that I do not have MPD, but I don't know).

I know I need to tell my parents, but I do not think it would be a good idea. They already do not act like I'm their child so I do not want to push them away anymore than they already are. I'm about to be 20 also so the doctor-patient confidentiality will be safe until it's time to learn how I gain my issue. Then my parents play a big part in that. It would kill my father to find out most of it is his fault. Once again thanks for the advice.

blrod11

Depending on how old you are, the doc might be bound by doctor-patient confidentiality.

Second, these problems may not be active all the time, but you may not know the triggers. I'm sure it would hurt your parents, but maybe it needs to be done, eh? You may find that after the hurt, you'll find great support. Or they could go into denial, I don't know, that's where you know them better.

But the secrets will hold power over you as long as they are secrets. Once you start dealing with them, they will lose their power over you. It would be a long road, but don't let the secrets control you, seek help.

Allow your parents the choice to support you. Just my thoughts.

anon61176

I think I have MPD, but I have never went to seek any help. I want to seek help, but I'm afraid to, because than the doctor would have to get out of me why I have gain them.

If I have to go through all that with my parents around that will crush them to find out my secrets. I noticed I had a problem about three years ago. Couple of my friends, and I where hanging out, and I blank out for about an hour, and when I came to my friends were scared of me. I asked why, and they told me that someone had called me a B**, and I just snapped on her. That I really almost killed her.

I could not remember anything. I was lost. Then after that it started happening even more. I don't know what brought them to come on so often after that, but they do not come as much now.

forster

i have mpd and sometimes i find it really hard. can i find some help?

blrod11

In short, here is what I understand. Schizophrenia is a chemical based problem, where something in the brain is not working right. As a result, you have false perceptions, see things that cannot be there, have aliens sending you thoughts and such.

With MPD (DID), there is not a chemical imbalance to be corrected. It is usually a survival mechanism that protects the person's mind from some kind of (usually) re-occurring trauma. From what I've read, only a small percentage of people have the ability to develop multiple personalities. Anyway, with the re-occurring trauma, the mind segments those experiences of, then creates a personality that can deal with those experiences. Think kind of like a computer with multiple profiles for different users.

Those experiences are kept separate because more likely than not, the mind did not "think" it could deal with them, and if they became part of the normal memory the trauma would overwhelm the person and render them non-functional.

With care, understanding, and proper therapy (and there are many ways to screw it up), the effects can be lessened, and the individual personalities can learn to work together, and in some cases, recombine. Depending on how it is done, you may only end up with the core personality trying to cope with all these experiences, or the individual personalities can join together, and bring parts of their personality (mannerisms and viewpoints, for example) to meld with the "core" personality. There is no magic pill for MPD/DID. Healing is a long and slow process, and involves accepting things that at an earlier time, were simply too much.

Hope this helps a little.

anon59486

I have MPD and can not find anyone that can help me to control the problem. I have no insurance and cannot get a job. Everyone that i come in contact with ends up leaving me because they can't handle the changes in me. What can i do to get the help? I have even contemplated suicide. Please someone help me?

anon58915

i have mpd and i have always known that there was something not right in my head -- not normal. reading this has helped me to understand it all better because as from a month ago. i was only aware of its name yet have had it for years.

i also have depression, psychosis and ocd but as of yet I'm not receiving any kind of treatment for it. it's like having someone there with you constantly. I'm not afraid of it's impact; it keeps me company when I'm alone.

I would like to talk to people who also have mpd.

anon56757

Unfortunately, my sister is affected with mpd now.

We are getting treatment for her. Pray for my sis.

She is named Subathra.

anon50281

Thanks, I was searching for a good MPD movie, and not only did I find one in this article, but I learned about its reality as well. :D

anon48734

This is very true. I have been suffering from the last 10 years. sometimes I'm a politician, sometimes a movie star, sometimes a businessman, sometimes successful doctor -- oh man! i have have lost my career. and yes the childhood trauma thing is also true. better than wikipedia.

blrod11

And please replace "a bad life" with "a harsh life". Using the word "bad" might imply fault, and on your part, there was none.

And if you would like, I can also explain the "losing time" episodes that you are experiencing.

blrod11

As far as the "voices inside vs voices outside" statement, it is something I read once and it matches with what I have seen. Voices outside - if the rocks, trees, and a gas pump are talking to you, it's more than likely a schizo (affective, phrenia, etc...) disorder. If the voices are inside your head, and even if you don't recognize them, they are kind of familiar, it's probably your alters trying to talk to you, i.e. MPD. And yes, I know what you are talking about, it is so very real, and so very unseen. That's what prompted my previous post.

And from what I have seen, the biggest difference between schizophrenia and MPD? The schizo- disorders have a biological root, and can be treated with medicines. MPD has an issues based root, and must be dealt with in a totally different manner, where medicines are only a temporary stop gap while the real issues are being worked on. Or in other words, schizophrenia is due to bad wiring, where as MPD is due to a bad life. And yes, that is simplifying it a little, but that is the short version.

blrod11

Heh, as far as the "belief" angle, I plan to start taking classes in psychology soon, and pin some professor to the wall to defend that statement. From what I've seen, MPD/DID is a very effective method of mental and psychological defense to allow a young person to continue some kind of development and life after experiencing things that would cause most of us to want to jump off a cliff. The problem is that "norms" or "normals" don't want to admit that such things can happen in this enlightened day and age, so they deny it. People with MPD should be treated with the same level of respect as a war veteran returning to the states with PTSD. They've both been to the same place, just one as a child, the other as a fully trained adult warrior. At the inner core, people with MPD have a strength that they themselves are usually afraid to recognize.

anon35805

I keep losing time. Sometimes minutes, sometimes hours. I have been abused, by people - not my family, but strangers and from my former husband. People don't believe that I am losing time. I know of other people there in my head but they don't communicate very well. I get images, like a broken mirror.

I agree with the above person. We are not taken seriously at all. I think I have three to four personalities.-- Martha

anon32590

'schizophrenia - voices outside, mpd - voices inside.' Can you please briefly explain this statement?

anon32153

Is energy related with dissociated identity disorder?

blrod11

schizophrenia - voices outside, mpd - voices inside.

Why do the psych's say it is a belief that they have other personalities, when usually they don't have a clue and often energetically deny it when told?

As someone who's known three people with MPD, the belief thing seems to carry little water, I've talked to people who "believed" they had other personalities, and there was a huge obvious difference.

Additionally, if it's a "belief", how does that explain the differences researchers have found in the brains of people with MPD and others? If I remember right, it's in the hippocampus region that was not normally developed in MPD patients. How is that addressed? Is it?

anon22898

Thanks for all the help with our assignment... It was awesome

anon16955

I'm doing some research for my A level Psychology class, and I wondered how are schizophrenia and multiple personality disorder different mainly?

anon1041

thank you for placing a clear and positive insight to multiple personality disorder. I was diagnosed in 1994. I have over 200 personalities. I speak with foreign accents and can testify that the influence of media is strong on children. I saw young two movies, viewed only once in my lifetime, and I memorized a song sung, or other information from. i was raised in leave in to beaver generation. what now is the power of influence our children watching? violence/ sex etc. That too may stay with them or affect their lives and choices. It is believed in a court of law that because we are diagnosed this way, that we are liars and can not tell the difference between real and unreal events. That isn't true..

I take great offense to that. Thus, our cases are not taken seriously. nor are we truly protected under the law.

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