@TraumaTherapySD

  • DID Myths

    Myth: Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is extremely rare.

    Fact: Worldwide, about 1.1% of people in the community meet criteria for DID. That’s the same percentage of people who meet criteria for Schizophrenia.

    Myth: DID is made up.

    Fact: Neuroimaging techniques such as MRIs of the brain can differentiate between ‘normal’ brains and those with DID.

    Myth: DID is quite obvious as are the switches between parts or alters.

    Fact: Dissociation is “overwhelmingly internal and subjective, not external & observable.”

     

    Myth: DID is just like in the movies and those with DID or OSDD are scary and violent.

    Fact: Dissociation looks different for everyone, it rarely looks like it does in the media, and those with DID/OSDD are no more likely to be violent than the rest of the population.

    Myth: DID is impossible to diagnose.

    Fact: Dissociation can absolutely be recognized and diagnosed by the average clinician – with training and the use of assessment tools.

    Myth: Those with DID should never be treated with EMDR therapy.

    Fact: EMDR therapy can be a powerful tool for helping heal those with DID, IF the therapist is properly trained and can make the needed modifications.

     

    Fact: DID and OSDD remain misunderstood even among mental health professionals, so it is really important to do your homework and find a treatment provider who does believe in DID and has the training needed to do the work safely.

     

    FYI: DID and OSDD occurs with more frequency among trans and non-binary individuals, due to heightened pressures to disconnect from the body secondary to dysphoria and more experiences of trauma.