What is dissociative identity disorder (DID)? It’s a complex psychological disorder that is the result of severe early-age trauma or recurring emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. It affects 1% of the population, and symptoms can include loss of time, headaches, amnesia, and having an out-of-body experience. Episodes are triggered by a wide range of situations and are unique to the person and the type of trauma or abuse they have endured.
At Crestview Recovery, we work with men and women 18 and over who are struggling with DID, PTSD, or other mental health disorders at our discreet mental health treatment facility. We have years of experience treating all types of mental health disorders. Furthermore, we use the latest in behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment. During therapy, therapists or counselors take the time to build a close relationship with each client. By doing so, clients feel comfortable opening up and discussing the past trauma so that they can begin healing. To learn more about our dissociative disorder treatment program, call 866.262.0531 today to speak with one of our knowledgeable team members.
What Is Dissociative Identity Disorder?
Dissociative disorders are rare conditions that affect children and adults. In most cases, symptoms begin to appear in early childhood but are often mistaken for ADHD and other disorders. Diagnosing these disorders requires a physical and psychological exam along with an understanding of the type of trauma that they are suppressing.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are three main types of dissociative disorders:
- Dissociative amnesia – Clients will experience partial or full memory loss of the traumatic event or during specific time periods. Episodes can occur suddenly and typically last for a few minutes to several hours. In rare cases, dissociative amnesia can last for months or years.
- Dissociative identity disorder (DID) – This disorder is characterized by switching identities that can be completely separate from the other, with unique names, characteristics, and personalities. In the past, people knew this as multiple personality disorder.
- Depersonalization-derealization disorder – Individuals may experience depersonalization, where they feel like they are watching themselves as if in a movie, or derealization, where they feel like they are in a dreamlike or unreal state. These feelings may last only a few moments, but in some cases, they can last for several months or years.
Childhood trauma is likely the cause of dissociative disorders. Research suggests that nearly 99% of dissociative disorder cases involve life-threatening traumatic events before the age of six. In other cases, dissociation can occur in situations where there is persistent neglect or emotional abuse, or they live in an unpredictable and frightening environment.
At Crestview Recovery, our team offers compassionate treatment for DID and other types of mental health disorders. During admissions, we will discuss your treatment plan with you and go over any questions you have, including what is DID and what to expect during your treatment program.
Recognizing the Signs of DID
Understanding the signs of dissociative identity disorder is imperative if you suspect someone you know is struggling with this rare disorder. If left untreated, their symptoms will only worsen. At that point, it can then lead to substance use, worsening depression and anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
If you’re concerned that a friend or loved one is living with a dissociative identity disorder and concerned for their wellbeing, here are some signs of DID:
- Feeling detached from your emotions and surroundings
- Partial or complete memory loss over specific time periods
- A loss of self or identity
- A distorted perception of time
- Work and personal relationship struggles
- An inability to cope with emotional or personal stress
Treatment for DID includes medication-assisted treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, and holistic therapies. Clients will work with a counselor in group and private therapy sessions to address the complexities of the disorder and practice and fine-tune coping and communication skills.
Join Crestview Recovery for Our Dissociative Disorder Treatment Program
What is dissociative identity disorder, and is it treatable? At Crestview Recovery, we treat DID and other types of mental health disorders and the various causes behind them. Our treatment programs are tailored to the individual and directly address all aspects of the disorder. Clients learn to process the traumatic event without causing any negative behaviors or triggering their symptoms.
If you or a loved one is struggling with DID, pick up the phone and call 866.262.0531 today to schedule a tour and meet our compassionate team.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
