Abnormal Psychology

Running Head: Dissociative Personality Disorder

Dissociative Personality Disorder
Shay Moore

Introduction
Dissociative disorders come in many forms, the most famous of which is dissociative identity disorder. All of the dissociative disorders are thought to stem from trauma experienced by the individual with this disorder. This researcher will assert that successful integration can be successful and often times the most therapeutic result for the individual.
Definition of Dissociative Identity Disorder
      By definition Dissociative Identity Disorder is” severe condition in which two or more distinct identities, or personality states, are present in -- and alternately take control of -- an individual. The person also experiences memory loss that is too extensive to be explained by ordinary forgetfulness” (Stephens, 2005).
      Dissociative identity disorder seems to be caused by the interface of several factors, overwhelming anxiety and the ability for the individual to separate perceptions, memories or identity from conscious awareness.   The individual also lacks the ability to maintain the skills to keep the disorder from effecting normal psychological development thus producing a healthy, happy and well nurtured child during childhood.   In 1994, the condition Split/Multiple Personality disorder had a name change to Dissociative Identity Disorder.   The name change reflects the move toward a better understanding of the condition.
      Childhood development is successful when the child is able to integrate “complicated and different types of information and experiences” (Merck, 2007). Each milestone is a step toward the child developing a cohesive, complex identity and pass through phases where the child has different outlooks and emotions toward and about themselves and others are kept separate.   “These different perceptions and emotions become involved in the generation of different selves, but not every child who suffers abuse or a major loss...