Multiple Personality Disorder and Sexually Abused Victims.

Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) is a rare disorder and is frequently over diagnosed. In fact, in the year 2000 (MPD) is no longer a working diagnosis. It has been changed to Dissociative Identity Disorder.

Dissociative Disorder is the presence of two or more personalities. These personalites cannot recall specific information about themselves. There can be florid psychosis,delusions and hallucinations. It is common for self injurious behavior to occur, angry outbursts and suicidal gestures. Loss of childhood memories are common. A past history of severe trauma as a child usually helps confirm the diagnosis.

Children who have been sexually and/or physically abused can experience transient dissociative states. The severity of the trauma and duration are important factors to the extent of symptoms seen.

I expereinced a dissociative like state when my perepetrator attempted to kiss me. I am sure there where other situations, however over the years of therapy I still cannot recall. I used nature to take me away from my fear and trauma. Frequently I became a bird soaring above myself as the abuse took place. I could travel in my mind to the safety of my bedroom or by my favorite oak tree, which comforted me with its canopy of leaves.

Clinicians frequently over diagnose this disorder. It is this author’s opinion that even clinicians frequently gravitate to the dramatic. In medicine we are taught, ” do not look for zebras.” In other words, look at the most common diagnosis frst. This holds true for psychology as well. Does dissociative disorder exist? Most definitly it does. There are also shades of grey with all paychiatric diagnosis.

Remember children have few coping mechanisms. With strong family support, teaching children to disclose and immediate attention to signs and symptoms of abuse we can minimize the severity.

To all therapists, proceed cautiously with your diagnosis. Objectivity is key. When in question, always ask for a consult. I have been treating patients for over twenty five years and still ask for consults. Be aware of your limitations.

How the book,Above His Shoulders will help:

While writing my book, I had to go back to some very painful times. I disclose my own dissociative states and how my dreams as well as dissociative states saved me. Our mind is a safety net for traumas. I hope I gave the reader a good depiction of how this plays out. I am lucky that my dissociative states were transient, others are not so fortunate.

Become a fan on facebook. See the photographs of the actual oak tree and the authors home, as well as a sneak peak at the new book. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Above-His-Shoulders/274131107309?ref=nf