Dissociative Identity Disorder DID: Causes, Risk Factors & Outlook

A Quick Guide

The exact causes of Dissociative Identity Disorder are not well understood. But there is a clear connection between the disorder and trauma. This might be especially true for childhood abuse or trauma. The disorder is a manifestation of someone who has trouble embodying and integrating specific facets of their identity, which over time become disconnected.

What is Dissociative Identity Disorder?

Dissociative identity disorder is a serious kind of dissociation. Dissociation is a mental process that results in a loss of connection between a person’s ideas, memories, feelings, actions, or sense of identity resulting in DID.

A person with DID has more than 2 distinct personalities that at times control their behavior. These separate identities are known as alters that have their own personal history, thoughts, habits, feeling, etc. The primary personality that a person possesses is called a core identity. 

Usually, a shift in a person’s personality is caused by some sort of stressor or a trigger. All people with DID exhibit varied symptoms. To know more about identifying these signs, check out our other article: Dissociative Identity Disorder: Signs & Symptoms (Multiple Personality Disorder)

What are the causes of Dissociative Identity Disorder?

It is believed that the dissociative factor is a coping mechanism. A person figuratively disconnects from or dissociates from a scenario or experience that is too traumatic, violent, or unpleasant to their conscious self. 

Multiple factors, particularly acute trauma usually extreme, repetitive physical, sexual, or emotional abuse experienced during early development, can lead to the development of DID.

Who is more prone to Dissociative Identity Disorder?

According to research, Dissociative Identity Disorder affects 1% of people and is more prevalent in women rather than men.

DID is most likely the result of a psychological reaction to interpersonal and environmental stressors. Especially in the early years of life when emotional child abuse or trauma may hinder the development of an individual. 

Up to 99% of people who develop dissociative disorders have reported personal histories of traumas. These disturbances occurred during a critical developmental stage of childhood usually before age 6 and were persistent, overwhelming, and frequently life-threatening.

Studies have shown that children may also develop dissociative disorders in families when the parents are fearful and unpredictable. Even if there hasn’t been any clear physical or sexual abuse, dissociation can occur when there has been ongoing neglect or emotional abuse. 

Is there a way to prevent Dissociative Identity Disorder? 

It is impossible to prevent DID. However, recognizing the symptoms as early as possible in life and getting the right treatment for DID might help in managing this condition. 

Early childhood warning indicators should be observed by parents, caregivers, and teachers. Early intervention following incidents of abuse or trauma may stop the development of DID.

Determining the causes that result in personality or identity changes is another benefit of treatment. Stress or substance addiction are frequent triggers of personality shifts. So, effective management of stress and substance use may assist in reducing the number of different alters influencing a person’s behavior.

We hope you found this article useful in learning more about the causes, risk factors, and outlook of Dissociative Identity Disorder DID.