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.

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.

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 Lee 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.

Counselling for Dissociative Identity Disorder
We offer a number of different types of therapy and counselling for Dissociative identity disorder and related problems.
Choosing the most suitable therapy depends on a number of different considerations including factors such as:
- How long you have had the problem.
- Your personal preferences.
- How your problem is affecting you today.
You can read more about the different types of therapy for anxiety on the following links:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Dissociative identity disorder
- The CORE programme for Dissociative identity disorder
- Counselling for Dissociative identity disorder
Although all therapies use slightly different approaches, the one thing they all have in common is the relationship that is formed between the client and therapist.
Research suggests that this therapy relationship may be the most important factor in achieving a good therapy outcome.
Psychiatry Through the Looking Glass
Read what the World Health Organisation (W.H.O.) and the United Nations (U.N.) said recently about the biomedical models of mental illness on Psychology Today.

Arrange a FREE initial consultation
If you’d like to find out more about overcoming or recovering from Dissociative identity disorder then why not arrange a free initial consultation with us.
During this consultation we will discuss your particular problems and the potential solutions in a safe and confidential environment without you having to commit to any therapy or counselling going forward.
This consultation lasts around 50 minutes and is a great opportunity to meet our therapists and decide if you would like to proceed with any support.
What to have a chat about your problem?
We offer a FREE 50 minute initial consultation to all prospective clients.
Call Paul on 07434 776125 - paul@leepsychology.com
Call Joan on 07434 776504 -Â joan@leepsychology.com
Common Mental Disorders
- Antisocial Personality Disorder
- Avoidant Personality Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Dependent Personality Disorder
- Depersonalisation Disorder
- Dissociative Identity Disorder
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Prolonged Grief Disorder
- Separation Anxiety Disorder