This page is about DID, or what is commonly referred to as Multiple Personality Disorder. DID is a heartbreaking disorder because the person who suffers from it is literally torn apart and has to heal in order to be mended or integrated.

Most people, when thinking of DID or MPD, think of the movie, “Sybil,” played by Sally Fields. That is DID and that’s what people experience (or varying degrees of it) when they have DID. Sometimes, people have DID and may not lose consciousness but stay present (in the background) when another alternate personality is “out.”

Characteristics of DID include:
inner voices
panic attacks
nightmares
depression
eating disorders
chemical dependency
loss of time
handwriting differences
difference in appearance
severe headaches associated with “switching” (switching between one alter and another one

The diagnostic criteria for DID according to the DSM IV is:
1. The presence of two or more personalities or personality states (each one has its own way of perceiving, thinking about and relating to the outside world).
2. At least two of these personalities take control of the person’s behavior
3. Inability to recall personal information that is too extensive to be dismissed as ordinary forgetfulness.
4. The disturbance is not due to a direct physiological effect of a substance or to a medical condition.

Here’s some terminology:
Alters– One of several alternate personalities.
Fragment or Splinter personality– Not a complete personality but a fragment of a personality
Fragmented– The feeling of not being whole or connected.
Host Personality– This term refers to the “out front” person. This may or may not be the baby that was born into this world.
Humor– WHAT YOU HAVE TO HAVE IF YOU LIVE WITH DID.
Integration– Refers to the merging of alters to form one cohesive personality.
Patience– What singletons need when they live with someone who has DID.
Recovered memories– Usually when one alter holds a memory to protect others in the system and then later shares it, it becomes a recovered memory.
Ritual Abuse– A brutal form of abuse of children, teens and adults, consisting of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, involving the use of rituals.
Safety– When you feel secure and protected.
Singleton– A person with only one personality.
System– A word used to refer to all of the different personalities in a person with DID.
Dome– A place where alters live, have fun and heal. Also a place to separate alters when there is trouble. A Dome is more than an imaginary place in you head. It is a construct you build to house your alters. It keeps switching to a minimum.

Types of Alters:
The Host– The host personality is the one who is “out” the majority of the time. The host may not be aware that other personalities exist. Generally they use their birthnames and will be the personality that most people know.
Children or Littles– Almost all people with multiple personalities have child alters. They range in age, gender, language abilities, emotional styles and if you have another disability, such as autism, even severity of the disorder. Some are terrified, others play and it is important to keep them safe.
Depressed or suicidal– Some alters have problems with depression which may be experienced in different ways, ranging from general fatigue to feelings of wanting to die. Alters like this must be kept safe and it is up to the people around the person, and the system to keep from hurting the body.
Numb– This is usually one alter who is quite adept at separating themselves from their feelings. This person is called on with the emotions present are too overwhelming.
Communicator/Manager-This is an alter that is exceptionally good at communicating with those on the inside. It is a sort of manager of the other personalities. It helps alters share with each other and sometimes with those on the outside. It ensures the safety and well-being of the other alters. It may also keep information away from the person who is out so that the personality is able to function.
Protector-Protector personalities come in many forms. Some may be human, some animal, some even fantasy creatures. Their job is to guard against possible harm and to protect the others from memories or triggers of the past.
Persecutor or Demon-Not all alters are helpful. Many people with DID have alters who represent the trauma and abuse they suffered. These alters are personalities which are formed from the original trauma. Because of the abuse suffered and messages recieved by the abuser, many with DID believe they are bad, dangerous, or evil. Children internalize these messages and view themselves in this manner and then may go on to hurt themselves.
Animals and Objects-Not all alters are human. Some take many forms. They often have very specific roles, such as protector. Or they may make the Dome more enjoyable.

What causes DID?
Trauma
Sexual, Physical, and Emotional Abuse
Ritual and Satanic Abuse
All of these factors can lead to Dissociation, or the ability to change your awareness through psychological means.

Part of the information on this webpage comes from the book, "Amongst Ourselves: A Self-Help Guide to Living With Dissociative Identity Disorder," by Tracy Alderman and Karen Marshall.

For anyone experiencing any of the symptoms listed above or who feel they may be sharing their body with others, it is suggested that you seek help from a qualified psychiatrist or therapist.

For more questions or information from hobbittmom, please email at hobbittmom@aol.com