Chapter 6 part 4

Question 1

Define dissociative identity disorder

Answer 1

1. Adoption of as many as 100 new identities

2. They all simultaneously co-exist in one body and mind

Question 2

Define “alters”

Answer 2

Separate identities

Question 3

What are the four diagnostic elements for DID from the DSM-5?

Answer 3

a. Disruptions in identity, alterations in behaviour, affect, cognition and perception
b. Recurrent gaps in the recall of everyday events
c. Causes stress and impairment in important functional areas
d. Symptoms can’t be attributed to the physiological effects of a substance

Question 4

Define “the host”

Answer 4

a. The identity who asks for treatment and who becomes the patient
b. The host is rarely the original identity

Question 5

Define “the switch”

Answer 5

a. Transition from one personality into another

Question 6

What are three reasons why it is difficult to determine real DID from fakes?

Answer 6

a. DID individuals are very susceptible
b. Objective tests show that people with fragmented personality are not simulating or faking
c. Malingerers are more likely to show symptoms willingly, while actual DID people want to hide

Question 7

What is the average number of identities in DIDs?

Answer 7

15

Question 8

What is the ratio between women and men for DID?

Answer 8

9:1

Question 9

When does onset occur in DID cases?

Answer 9

Early childhood

Question 10

How many years are usually between first symptoms presentation of DID and diagnosis?

Answer 10

7

Question 11

Although frequency of switching may decrease with age, why is it still important to get treatment?

Answer 11

If left untreated, will persist the entire lifetime

Question 12

What is the relationship between DID and other psychological disorders?

Answer 12

Many DID patients have high co-morbidity with other psychological disorders

Question 13

What are causes of DID?

Answer 13

1. Often horribly abused as children, both sexually and physically
2. Thus, DID is rooted in a tendency to escape from the unremitting effect associated with childhood trauma

Question 14

What is the link between suggestibility and DID?

Answer 14

1. People with DID are more suggestible

Question 15

Define the autohypnotic model

Answer 15

a. People who are suggestible may use dissociation as a defence against extreme trauma
b. People who aren’t suggestible may develop PTSD instead

Question 16

What are some biological contributions to DID?

Answer 16

1. Fifty-fifty for genes and environment

2. Strong evidence that sleep deprivation can cause dissociative symptoms

Question 17

What are three potential treatments for DID?

Answer 17

1. Reintegration of personalities thru long-term psychotherapy
   (Only works for 25% of people)
2. Use methods that work for PTSD
3. Limited evidence that anti-depressants may aid therapy

Question 18

What is involved in the use of PTSD methods for treating DID?

Answer 18

a. Involves confronting early trauma, but must be careful not to shatter the personalities further

Question 19

Why is it important to tease out early repressed memories of childhood trauma

Answer 19

a. The memory must be re-enacted and teased out in order to prevent PTSD
b. Perp punished

Question 20

What is the guidance of the CPA with regards to early repressed memories of trauma?

Answer 20

1. The CPA says that testimonies should never be accepted without corroboration