Dissociative Identity Disorder

Dissociative identity disorder, formerly called multiple personality disorder, is characterized by the existence of two or more personalities in the same individual, each with her own memories, experiences, behavioral patterns, and relationships. The number of different personalities existing in one body has been documented to range from two to one hundred, although more than half of these cases involve fewer than 10. Not as rare as once thought, dissociative identity disorder almost invariably develops in childhood. It is often the result of sexual abuse or severe trauma and is usually not diagnosed until years later. Women are more likely to have the disorder than men, and it is more common in those who are related to others with the disorder.