IndexTypes of dissociative identity disorderSigns and symptomsDiagnosisConclusionDissociative identity disorder is a condition in which the affected individual has a minimum of two personalities distinct. It refers to a severe form of dissociation that is a mental process that produces a lack of connection in a person's thoughts, feelings, memory, actions, or sense of identity. This also includes the inability to remember everyday events and important personal information that would not normally be lost through normal forgetfulness. This condition was previously also known as multiple personality disorder or split personality. Although it is very common for a person to have moments of dissociation between thoughts and actions, it is more serious for a person living with dissociative identity disorder. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay. This disorder, like many others, is believed to arise from multiple factors that may include trauma experienced since childhood. The dissociative aspect is believed to be a coping mechanism. When a person experiences something violent, traumatic, or painful, they will completely shut down or dissociate from the situation or event. The causes of dissociative identity disorder are not yet determined, but research indicates that it is likely a psychological response to interpersonal and environmental stress. This is most likely to occur during early childhood, when emotional abuse or neglect may interfere with personality development. “Approximately 99% of individuals who develop dissociative disorders have recognized personal histories of recurrent, overwhelming, and often life-threatening disturbances at a sensitive developmental stage in childhood.” Types of Dissociative Identity Disorder Dissociative identity disorder can be classified into two forms, possession and non-possession. In the possession form, identities are usually visualized as a supernatural being or another person who has taken control of the person, causing them to speak and act in an unusual way. In this case the different identities are very evident. On the other hand, the form of non-possession tends to be much less obvious. A person may feel as if they have a sudden alteration in their identity. They may feel like observers of their own words, emotions and actions. Signs and Symptoms The signs and symptoms of dissociative identity disorder vary between each of the two forms. In the form of possession, the different identities are very evident. The patient will speak and act as if someone or something has taken control of his body. In the non-possession form, the different identities are not as observable. Instead, the person feels like they are watching themselves inside a movie and cannot control what is happening. They feel very distant from themselves and detached from their mental and physical state. They may feel as if their body is that of a small child or of the opposite sex that does not belong to them. Some things such as a sudden change in a person's general attitude, opinion, or preferences may be observable, but most forms of dissociative identity disorder are not apparent. Another symptom typical of people with dissociative identity disorder is known as amnesia. . This creates gaps in past personal events, reliable memory lapses, and the discovery of evidence of things they said or did that they don't remember doing and that seem different from them. This can lead to a person having something in their possession that they cannot explain the possession of, or ending up in a.