6 Signs and Symptoms of Dissociative Identity Disorder
1.
Split Personalities
The primary symptom of dissociative identity disorder is the presence of two or more distinct
personalities—their “core” personality along with alternate personalities referred
to as “alters.”
As each “alter” is very different, the Mayo Clinic says they may have “a unique
name, personal history and characteristics, including obvious differences in voice, gender,
mannerisms and even such physical qualities as the need for eyeglasses.”
Sometimes the personalities may be aware of one another, but this is not the case for
everyone.
2.
Lapses in Memory
A person with dissociative identity disorder will often experience lapses in memory, also
known as dissociative amnesia, where they struggle to recall important personal information,
people, places and everyday events.
The Cleveland Clinic says this can impact a person’s personal and professional relationships,
as they may repeatedly meet people who seems to know them, but whom they do not recall
meeting.
Additionally, the individual may “may find items around the home that she does not remember
buying.”
3.
Detachment from Self
Dissociative identity disorder can cause a person to feel as though they are living outside
of themselves.
The National Alliance on Mental Health says this may be like “watching a movie of yourself.”
They may feel as though they have a lack of control over their behavior, which often compels
them to do things they wouldn’t normally do.
According to WebMD, these acts may include “speeding, reckless driving, or stealing
money from their employer or friend.”
4.
Blurry Sense of Identity
People with dissociative identity disorder may have a blurry sense of their own identity.
For example, they may feel like they are more than one person, referring to themselves in
“first person plural (we) or in the third person (he, she, they),” says Merck Manuals.
Additionally, they may not recognize themselves when looking in the mirror.
They may also “think that their body feels different (for example, like that of a small
child or someone of the opposite sex) and that their body does not belong to them.”
5.
Hallucinations
It’s possible for someone with dissociative personality disorder to experience hallucinations.
Not only the voices of their other personalities, but of sight, touch, smell, or taste, which
Merck Manuals says are often part of a flashback.
The source adds that these hallucinations are different than those experienced with
other psychological conditions, as “people with dissociative identity disorder experience
these symptoms as coming from an alternate identity, from inside their head, ” such
as feeling like “someone else is wanting to cry using their eyes.”
6.
Other Symptoms
People with dissociative personality disorder will often suffer from other mental health
problems such as depression, anxiety and suicidal tendencies.
They may also abuse drugs or alcohol, or struggle with eating disorders.
Is it not uncommon for the individual to have one or more sleep disorders such as insomnia,
night terrors and sleep walking.
Additionally, they may also experience physical symptoms such as severe headaches or other
aches and pains throughout the body.