Question

Which of the following statements about dissociative identity disorder is true? A. The original personality is always aware of the alternate personalities. B. The transitions between personalities are usually very gradual. C. The personalities are typically all quite similar to one another. D. Starting in the 1970 s, a dramatic increase occurred in the diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder.

Short answer

A) The original personality is always aware of the alternate personalities. B) The transitions between personalities are usually very gradual. C) The personalities are typically all quite similar to one another. D) Starting in the 1970s, a dramatic increase occurred in the diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder. Answer: D) Starting in the 1970s, a dramatic increase occurred in the diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder.

Step-by-step solution

Evaluate Statement A

Statement A claims that "The original personality is always aware of the alternate personalities." This statement is false. In DID, the original personality (also known as the host) is often not aware of the alternate personalities, or alters.

Evaluate Statement B

Statement B claims that "The transitions between personalities are usually very gradual." This statement is also false. Switches between personalities in DID can happen suddenly and without warning.

Evaluate Statement C

Statement C claims that "The personalities are typically all quite similar to one another." This statement is false. In DID, the personalities can be very diverse, and each alter may have its own history, identity, and characteristics.

Evaluate Statement D

Statement D claims that "Starting in the 1970s, a dramatic increase occurred in the diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder." This statement is true. The increase in diagnosis of DID began in the 1970s, following the popularization of the concept through books and movies like Sybil and the Three Faces of Eve. It is worth noting that this increase sparked debates among professionals about the validity of DID as a separate disorder.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of all four statements, the correct answer is D: "Starting in the 1970 s, a dramatic increase occurred in the diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder."

Key concepts

DID Diagnosis Increase

The notion that there has been a dramatic increase in diagnoses of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) since the 1970s is indeed founded in historical truth. The rise can be partially attributed to heightened awareness through media exposure and more granular psychiatric diagnostic criteria. The DSM-III, published in 1980, officially recognized DID, leading to greater recognition and diagnoses by mental health professionals. Studies suggest, however, that this escalation has also triggered a contentious debate within the psychiatric community about the legitimacy and prevalence of DID, with some attributing the surge to misdiagnosis or even iatrogenesis, where the condition is suggested or reinforced by therapy itself.

The definitive factors for the increase may require further cross-disciplinary research, including examinations of sociocultural trends, shifts in diagnostic practices, and the evolution of therapy techniques used to uncover and treat dissociative symptoms.

Alternate Personalities Awareness

Common misconceptions around DID suggest that an individual's primary identity or 'host' is consistently conscious of the alternate personalities, or 'alters'. Contrary to this belief, a distinct characteristic of DID is the compartmentalization of identities, where the 'host' personality may be completely or partially unaware of the others. This lack of awareness can serve as a protective mechanism, helping individuals cope with traumatic memories or experiences that the 'alters' hold.

Understanding this limited awareness is critical in the therapeutic process, as treatment often involves fostering communication between alters and integrating traumatic memories. It is also important to recognize that awareness can vary between individuals and the nature of their disorder can evolve over time.

Personality Transitions in DID

Personality transitions, or 'switching', in DID can often seem dramatic and sudden, contradicting the myth that such transitions are gradual. A switch may be triggered by a variety of stimuli, including stress, environmental cues, or interpersonal interactions. As such, mental health professionals strive to understand these triggers to better support individuals with DID.

Transitions can be disorienting and distressing for those with the disorder, as they may lead to memory lapses or lost time. Highlighting the sudden nature of these transitions emphasizes the importance of a supportive and consistent therapeutic environment for effective management and treatment of DID.

Diverse Alters in DID

DID is characterized by the presence of diverse alters, each potentially having distinct memories, identities, preferences, and even physical mannerisms. These alters are not simply variations of a single personality, but often manifest as unique individuals with their own age, gender, and historical narratives. The diversity is so extensive that alters can have different allergies, skills, and languages.

It is critical to note that the concept of 'diverse alters' is not just a psychological curiosity, but a fundamental aspect that guides therapeutic strategies. Therapy may involve individualized approaches for different alters, aiming for system cooperation and ultimately, integration or functional multiplicity. Recognizing the distinctness and individuality of each alter is thus essential for effectively addressing DID.