Dissociative Identity Disorder

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Dissociative Identity Disorder

Dissociative identity disorder is a mental health disorder characterised by the ongoing maintenance of at least two distinct and relatively long-lived personality states and was previously known as multiple personality disorder.

The disorder is often accompanied by gaps in the memory that are considered to be more significant than might been seen in normal forgetfulness.

Dissociation is a psychological phenomenon in which the mind creates a mental separation that inhibits access to certain memories allowing the conscious mind to remain undistracted from them.

This is often the case with traumatic experiences and memories and data suggests that dissociative identity disorders are most frequently associated with childhood abuse or trauma.

Like many of the mental health disorders, dissociative identity disorder has been categorised as being due to faulty underlying neurobiology however, despite years of imaging research, no conclusive evidence for biological malfunction has been identified.

Man with Dissociative Identity Disorder looking in mirror

Dissociative Identity Disorder Symptoms

The main symptoms associated with Dissociative Identity Disorder are the presence of at least TWO measurably different identities with the accompanying inability to access memories linked to each identity.

Other symptoms often include:

A sense of loss of identity.
A sense of a loss of time.
Loss of sense of self.

Many people, of course, experience some of these symptoms now and again, but Dissociative Identity Disorder sufferers will always demonstrate these symptoms with greater intensity.

Dissociative Identity Disorder diagnosis banner

Diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder

Technically, only a psychiatrist can diagnose a dissociative identity disorder, but in the UK general practitioners have tended to diagnose mental health problems by using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

The DSM lists specific symptoms against a range of disorders and whenever a person meets this criteria, they are said to be suffering from that disorder.

Diagnostic procedures do NOT make use of medical testing (for example blood tests) in order to produce a diagnosis, but rather is an opinion based on the observation of certain behaviours in the person who is suffering.

Because of this lack of verifiable medical testing, diagnosis remains a controversial subject, particularly within the psychological community.

However, in the UK access to support services is often contingent on receiving a diagnosis, so in this sense, a formal diagnosis may be useful.

Getting a Mental Health Diagnosis

Please be aware that Tranceform Psychology do not diagnose mental health disorders.

Our psychological counselling services do not require you to have been formally diagnosed but should you wish to obtain a formal mental health diagnosis, then please contact your GP who can arrange it for you.

CBT for Dissociative Identity Disorder

If you’re committed to overcoming Dissociative Identity Disorder then we highly recommend following our Tranceformental CBT 10 session programme.

The Tranceformental programme is a highly successful & pragmatic course of CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) run over 10 sessions, that will teach you everything you need to know to understand the psychological aspects of your problem.

It can also help you to identify any unhelpful thinking styles or limiting beliefs that might be reinforcing the issue.

The programme is also available as an online self-help CBT programme. if you prefer not to consult a therapist directly.

CBT is an empirically supported approach used by mental health practitioners around the World.

Free Initial Consultations for Dissociative Identity Disorder

We offer all prospective clients a FREE initial consultation to discuss your Dissociative Identity Disorder prior to commencing any treatment plans.

The consultation is free and lasts around 50 minutes.

During this consultation we will discuss the various therapy options that are available to you and make a considered recommendation based on your individual personal circumstances.

Initial consultations are also available as part of our online therapy service.

At Tranceform Psychology we recognise the importance of the therapeutic relationship in helping people to bring about effective change, so its important to be able to ‘meet’ to discuss any therapy treatments BEFORE proceeding.

Our policy is to help people make a fully balanced & considered decision about undertaking work with us, including both the financial and personal implications.

Tranceformental CBT course for Dissociative Identity Disorder on a PC screen

Overcome Dissociative Identity Disorder with our online CBT Course

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is clinically proven to be effective.

Using an online learning platform, it is available with 2, 5 or 10 sessions of clinical support either face-to-face in the Wombourne offices, or using Zoom video facilities.

It can also be taken as a self help CBT course that will teach you the fundamental tools and techniques used throughout the mental health profession.