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What Is Dissociative Identity Disorder?

Posted on Mon, 9 Jun 2014

Question: Hi i am looking for research on DID, as i currently have a client and would like to assist her in therapy. However, have you ever hear of a client dissaciating into and animal (a cat) this for me is of grave concern

Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It could be possible

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.

I think, you may be from field of psychology and you may have knowledge about dissociative identity disorder. In dissociative identity disorder, patient may have any kind of dissociated personality state that alternately control a person's behavior, and is accompanied by memory impairment for important information not explained by ordinary forgetfulness. I have seen number of patients, who behave like ghost, lion, dog, kid, or any other imaginary character. One of my patient, he had thirteen different kind of characters in him. Patients can behave differently in DID and that behavioral is completely different from his/her original behavior.

In treatment, you should try to find out the conflict in her mind and try to resolve it. It may be difficult case, but not impossible to cure. You have to work hard on her. First try to build rapport with her and find the conflict in her mind.

In case, you need further help, in this case, i would happy to help you.

Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (16 hours later)

Thank you for your reply. Yes I have a psychology back ground and currently work as a sexual assault counsellor. My client has a back ground of sexual abuse as a child by her father. She also has attachment issues around her mother. My client has at least 10 alters ranging from small children to adults. One of her alter is an angry teenager who self harms. I have been using cbt, and act as well as art therapy for unconscious release. If you have any specific guideline that would be very helpful. Thank you. Regards XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need combination of therapies

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Your case is of PTSD with DID. In that case, treatment would include combination of therapies like CBT, insight-oriented therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), hypnotherapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). I am sending you a link of article. That could help you in this case.

Predicting Stabilizing Treatment Outcomes for Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Dissociative Identity Disorder: An Expertise-Based Prognostic Model". Journal of Trauma & Dissociation 12 (1): 67–87.

In case, you need further help, you can ask.

Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (18 minutes later)

Thank you Dr XXXXXXX
Regards XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thanks

Detailed Answer:
Thanks. Its my pleasure to help you. In case, you need my help in any case, you can consult me directly.

Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar