Is Dissociative Identity Disorder Real?

This video explains the controversy surrounding Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Dissociative Identity Disorder used to be referred to as Multiple Personality Disorder. Dissociative Identity Disorder is characterized by the presence of dissociative episodes during which an individual manifests distinct personality states. These personality states (referred to as “alters”) recur over time and have different characteristics than the primary personality such as age, gender, mannerisms, attitudes, etc. Many clinicians do not believe DID is truly a distinct disorder, but rather an unintended product of clinicians’ interest and suggestions or a type of Borderline Personality Disorder. There is scientific evidence that supports and contradicts the existence of DID.