Clarification

My previous post on MPD/DID was a copy of an article I wrote for support group website I frequent. In this post, it is my wish to clarify some misconceptions about the disorder.

1. MPD/DID is not rare. Although it is much debated, even in the psychiatric world itself, MPD/DID is actually common - though in vastly varying degrees. In some circles it is believed that everyone has dissociative episodes at one time or another during their lifetime. Taking a walk from point A with no recollection of how you reached point B is an example of this belief. You are able to recall leaving your original location, perhaps even part of the walk. But try as you might, you cannot recall a good portion of the journey. This is the most common type of dissociative episode. Dissociation in its mildest form. Now that you can recall the brief moment of confusion, imagine this "lost time" in a larger degree. Imagine instead of a few moments lost that it is actually hours or days. Entire conversations, meetings hidden from your conscious memory. Not a pleasing thought. It is estimated that 6-8% of the population sufferes from diagnosed and undiagnosed MPD/DID.
2. Not all MPD/DID sufferers have different names for or high numbers of alter personalities. Instances such as seen in the media: Three Faces of Eve, When Rabbit Howls, and Sybil are EXTREME cases which cause most to disbelieve those who are nowhere near as severely afflicted with the disorder.
3. Multiples are Not dangerous or insane. Again, the media provides Joe Public with fears and misconceptions which are unfounded. Regardless of the popularity for media to show Multiples as vicious, vindictive murderers, there have been very few documented cases where MPD was ruled as a factor in murder. Of those documented, most have other underlying psychological disorders. It is much more likely one would be injured by Munchhausen by proxy, schizophrenics, manics, etc. MPD sufferers are far more likely to injure themselves than others as a result of a high rate of depression and suicidal tendancies in the patients. This is not to say that Multiples are never dangerous. A multiple can have "alters" who have anger management problems as can be said for any apparently mentally healthy individual.
4. Though it is frequently misdiagnosed as schizophrenia, MPD is quite different. MPD is not physiological and is never genetic. Schizophrenia is an organic brain disease, while MPD is more similar to a severe case of post traumatic stress disorder. In other words, schizophrenia is a result of factors within the body, MPD is caused by outside influences, almost always involving repeated sexual and physical abuse.
5. You may think you would recognize someone is a multiple personality without difficulty. The fact of the matter is that the vast majority of multiples lead normal, productive lives. They are able to conceal their illness either because it is not severe or life has impressed upon them the neccessity of appearing "normal". Most may let it be known they suffer from depression and/or anxiety, but will conceal the "less believeable" aspects of their illness.

It is my hope that any or all of this entry is found to be helpful and informative. My advice to my readers is never close your mind to anything. No matter how firmly you may or may not disbelieve in something does not make it false. An open mind is a learning and growing mind. A closed mind leads to stagnation and deterioration.

In a later post, I will go into some tips I have learned on living/dealing with those with mental illness. Please feel free to send me questions or comments regarding my posts.