Summary of Dissociative Identity Disorder essays

Summary of Dissociative Identity Disorder essays Dissociative Identity Disorder can be defined as, "a disturbance or alteration in the normally integrative functions of identity, memory, or consciousness" (Dissociative, 1994). In order for one to understand Dissociative Identity Disorder completely, they must first comprehend the concept of dissociation. This is a "mental process which produces a lack of connection in a person's thoughts, memories, feelings, actions, or sense of identity" (Dissociative, 1994). When a person experiences a stressful event during their life, their body and mind force them to cope with the event using different defense mechanisms. For the purpose of this paper, the defense mechanism we are concerned with is that of dissociation. Without the aid of utilizing this defense mechanism during the actual occurrence of the trauma, the individual more than likely would not have been able to survive the incident. Problems onset later on in life because when an individual first uses disassociation their primary focus is on surviving the trauma. Once the traumatic experience ends, they have no other way to deal with the distressing experience except through the continued use of the defense mechanism. They were unable to learn the proper and healthy ego defense mechanisms during the course of the distressing incident therefore not allowing them to ever fully cope with their trauma. Later on, throughout the course of their live certain sounds, smells, or sights may trigger this horrific memory causing the individual to regress back to their defense mechanism and disassociate themselves from everything around them. Due to this defense mechanism, they will even forget where they are or who they are. They are literally fleeing or separating themselves from their pain. I decided to discuss the topic of Dissociative Identity Disorder because I find many aspects of this disorder very interesting. I personally feel that I myself may suffer from this disorder as well a...