In children, the symptoms are not better explained by imaginary playmates or other fantasy play. The identity disturbance is not part of cultural or religious practices.Just as with all other mental disorders, in order to be diagnosed with DID the person must be distressed by the disorder or have trouble functioning because of it in one or more major life domains.These gaps in the memory must be so extensive that they cannot be explained by ordinary forgetfulness.
Although it is still often referred to as multiple personality disorder, it was re-classified in 1993 as dissociative identity disorder.Īccording to the latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5), DID is classified as one of the dissociative disorders, alongside depersonalisation disorder, dissociative fugue, dissociative amnesia, and dissociative disorder not otherwise specified. The prevalence of DID the general population is less than 1%. (Editor)ĭissociative identity disorder (DID) is a complex and chronic psychological condition characterized by alterations of identities and disruptions in consciousness.