A :
B :
C :
D :
E :
F :
G :
H :
I :
J :
K :
L :
M :
N :
O :
P :
Q :
R :
S :
T :
U :
V :
W :
X :
Y :
Z
Multiple Personality Disorder
Medical Questions » Multiple Personality Disorder
| Name: Multiple Personality Disorder |
| Also known as: |
| Very rare disorder in which multiple personalities alternate within the one body. |
Causes of Multiple Personality Disorder
May be started by stress in childhood or adolescence (eg. a sexual assault, emotional cruelty, repressed aggression), but in most cases, no specific cause found. |
Symptoms of Multiple Personality Disorder
Two or more (sometimes more than 20) different personalities within the same body that may switch from being dominant and obvious to being totally suppressed in a matter of seconds. One personality is usually present for most of the time, and others for far shorter periods, but in some patients it is difficult to determine which personality is the most common. Each personality is totally independent of the others, with its own likes and dislikes, friends and hobbies; but the different personalities may be aware of each others presence in the one body, and there may be friends and enemies between the personalities. At other times, one personality may not be aware of the activities of the other. The change from one personality to another is often triggered by stress, but sometimes a particular action, activity, place or word may trigger the change. The personalities are often opposites shy or extrovert, teetotaler or alcoholic, sportsman or studious. A normally faithful husband may suddenly become involved with prostitutes, a rabid anti-smoker may change into a chain-smoker. The possibilities are endless. |
Tests for Multiple Personality Disorder
No specific diagnostic tests, but a CT or MRI brain scan may be performed to exclude structural abnormalities. |
Treatment for Multiple Personality Disorder
The aim of psychiatrists is to determine which personality is dominant and to promote that personality over the others in a life-long course of psychotherapy.
|
Complications of Multiple Personality Disorder of its treatment
The risk of suicide while in one of the alternate personalities is high. |
Likely Outcome of Multiple Personality Disorder
Varies significantly from one patient to another. |
|
|
