What is DID?
DID, as defined by Psychology Today, is "a severe condition in which two or more distinct identities, or personality states, are present in—and alternately take control of—an individual." (Psychology Today, 2-24-17) Hence why it was previously called Multiple Personality Disorder, as it is a condition in which the host is coexisting with alternate personalities-otherwise known as alters- after a traumatic event in their lives.
DID is classified as a psychological disorder, rather than a neurological one.(Mayo Clinic Staff) This is because it is not caused by any physical damage to the brain, rather it is more akin to depression. It is solely in the mind of the host, though this does not mean it isn't real. DID is a devastating disorder that makes it difficult to live a normal life for some.(Natasha Tracy,5-23-17)
DID is classified as a psychological disorder, rather than a neurological one.(Mayo Clinic Staff) This is because it is not caused by any physical damage to the brain, rather it is more akin to depression. It is solely in the mind of the host, though this does not mean it isn't real. DID is a devastating disorder that makes it difficult to live a normal life for some.(Natasha Tracy,5-23-17)
What Causes DID?
The causes of DID are innumerable, though they all share a common thread: trauma. Many people develop DID as a child after a traumatic event such as sexual or physical abuse. They use DID as a coping mechanism, as their mind evolves into someone else to protect the host. Although abuse is the most common trigger, studies have shown that DID can be hereditary as well as be caused by severe physical blows to the brain.
Can you cure DID?
As any psychological disorder, DID is difficult to cure. Not much progress has been made to cure DID using pharmaceutical drugs, though therapy has been documented to help. There are several ways in which curing DID have manifested. Some people just learn to coexist with the alters and even have conversations with them, while others will have their alters assimilate into their psyche to become whole again.(Shobha Pais)