Multiple Personality Disorder

Alternate Names : Dissociative Identity Disorder, Dual Personality Disorder

Multiple personality disorder is a condition in which two or more distinct identities or personalities alternately take control in the same person. Each personality is unaware of any others.

What is going on in the body?

The symptoms of multiple personality disorder can be sudden, gradual, fleeting, or chronic. Each personality has full range of mental functions. Certain identities may emerge in certain circumstances. The personalities often have different names and characteristics. The personalities may be quite different from the primary one.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

The cause of multiple personality disorder is thought to be psychological trauma, such as chronic physical abuse or sexual abuse, in childhood. The disorder is more common in females than males.