Multiple Personalities

 The terms multiple personalities and split personality are often used to describe people whose behaviour can be unpredictable or changeable. The most commonly used example may be of a 'Jekyll and Hyde' type character. But what does it mean to have a ‘split personality’ or ‘multiple personalities’? Well, it’s probably fair to say that when these terms are used to describe people they’re usually used incorrectly.

There are recognised conditions where people present with more than one distinct identity, each with its own behaviour patterns and idiosyncrasies. These distinct identities are also known as ‘alter-egos’. The medical term for this type of condition is dissociative identity disorder (DID), and it is a psychiatric diagnosis. The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems classifies this diagnosis as multiple personality disorder. Other related diagnoses include antisocial and borderline personality disorder.

The existence of dissociative identity disorder (DID) is surrounded by controversy. Some researchers even suggest that the diagnosis may be the result of certain types of therapy. It occurs significantly more often in North America than it does in the rest of the world.

For a diagnosis of DID or multiple personality disorder to be made, at least two personalities must routinely take control of the individual's behavior with the addition of memory loss above and beyond normal ‘forgetfulness’.

Read more about Personality:

• Personality on YourPsychology.co.uk  
• Skills Training Manual for Treating Borderline Personality Disorder 
• The Essential Family Guide to Borderline Personality Disorder: New Tools and Techniques to Stop Walking on Eggshells