Dissociative Identity Disorder: An American Phenomenon?

Dissociative Identity Disorder is a condition where individuals will display various distinct personalities or identities. Another name for this disorder is Multiple Personality Disorder. The diagnosis for this condition requires that at least two personalities are routinely taking control an individual's behavior with an associated memory loss that goes beyond just normal forgetfulness.( MedicineNet.com) When discussing DID there is much controversy surrounding the topic, including that it does not exist outside of North America.(Ross) This diagnosis is more commonly found in females and is concentrated more heavily in North America, especially the United States. Women are diagnosed more with DID and they also tend to have more alternate personalities. The disorder tends to become dormant as individuals enter middle age, but the symptoms can resurface during periods of stress. DID seems to be a cultural disorder because it is rarely found outside of North America, specifically the United States.(MedicineNet.com)

An interesting way that psychiatrist has chosen to help relieve people that are suffering from DID is Art therapy. It is helpful for them to distinguish how many personalities a person has who has DID. I found a video about a woman, Kim Nobel who uses art therapy specifically painting to deal with her multiple personalities. Each one of her personalities is evident in the paintings she creates because each is completely different. This is very interesting to me because she is using aesthetics to help relieve some of the problems she has stemming from Dissociative Identity Disorder. Below is a link to the Video of Kim Nobel:

http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Art-Therapy-and-Dissociative-Identity-Disorder-Video

Works Cited

"Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) Symptoms, Treatment, Causes, Signs and Diagnosis by MedicineNet.com." Web. 14 Dec. 2010. .

Ross, Colin A. "Dissociative Identity Disorder." Dissociative Identity Disorder (2006). Springerlink. Web. Oct.-Nov. 2010. .

Unknown. "Art Therapy and Dissociative Identity Disorder - Video - Oprah.com." Oprah Winfrey's Official Website - Live Your Best Life - Oprah.com. Web. 14 Dec. 2010. .