Citation

Crellin A, Temple M. BJPsych Adv. 2021; 27(2): 99-101.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Royal College of Psychiatrists)

DOI

10.1192/bja.2020.92

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder (DID) remains a contentious area in mental health. Patients experiencing such difficulties are often harshly identified as suggestible neurotics and interested clinicians as fanatics. However, for the sufferer, DID is as real and has as much impact as any other psychiatric diagnosis. This commentary challenges psychiatry's dismissive and disbelieving attitude towards DID. The authors (a person with DID and a clinician) acknowledge the limited understanding of DID's aetiology and the paucity of associated neurological findings, but ask whether this is not the case for many other accepted psychiatric conditions. They call for UK psychiatric practice to move on from the debate and for the Royal College of Psychiatrists to take the lead, with inclusion of DID in core psychiatric training and guidelines on approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Copyright © The Authors 2021.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; mental health; Review; psychotherapy; post-traumatic stress disorder; education; suicide attempt; stigma; posttraumatic stress disorder; neuroimaging; psychiatrist; practice guideline; multiple personality; Dissociative disorders; neurologic disease; amnesia; hypnosis; depersonalization; biological marker; outcome assessment; physical education; stigma and discrimination; education and training; breast injury; individual psychotherapy