Dissociative identity disorder (DID), formerly known as multiple personality disorder, is a disorder in which two or more distinct identities alternate in controlling one's consciousness and behavior a person (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2011). If not diagnosed and treated early in development, altered personalities may begin to struggle for control of the body (Pica, 1999). This may happen because the alternate personalities have become an equal part of the person and each alter cannot always be in control. Although DID is diagnosed most frequently in late adolescence and early adulthood, most diagnoses occur 5-10 years after the onset of symptoms (Slogar, 2011). Additionally, DID appears to be more common in women, those who have a close relative with DID, and generally occurs during developmentally sensitive stages of childhood. First, someone who has developed DID may be more likely to pass it on to their children. . This happens through genetics, as well as similar actions, such as alcoholism, abuse (physical or emotional), etc. For example, if someone was abused as a child, they are statistically more likely to become an abuser as well, the same pattern is in place for DID. If someone was abused as a child and developed DID, they are more likely to abuse their child who in turn is more susceptible to developing the disorder. This happens because children learn how to behave by watching others. They learn from some individuals more than others, such as their parents, and therefore repeat their parents' actions. It was concluded that "...there is evidence that people with trauma disorders have higher rates of alcoholism, chronic disease, and abuse in subsequent generations." (Sidran Found...... middle of paper ......thin-the-multiple-system/Pica, M. (1999). The evolution of altered personality states in dissociative identity disorder. Psychotherapy, 36, 404 -415.Ruddy, N., Farley, T., Nymberg, J., & Hayden, K. (1994).Multiple personality disorder in primary care: a collaboration Dissociative Identity Disorder: Overview and Current Research - Student Pulse Online Academic Articles - Retrieved October 21, 2013, from http://www.studentpulse.com articles/525/ Stress Institute Sidran: Help for Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD) and Dissociation. PTSD and Dissociation Resources for Survivors, Supporters, and Professionals. Retrieved October 21, 2013, from http://.sidran.org/sub.cfm? contentID=75§ionid=4