Our podcast today is inspired by my experiences over the last couple of years with patients who come to me with various difficulties,

but report as part of their history that they are themselves a collection of several personalities that know each other

and take turns being at the front of their stage, as if these are all characters in a theater production.

This led to an interview with Dr. Peroma Mitra,

which appeared in our July, August, September, 2023 newsletter,

which focuses on topics related to dissociative identity disorder, D.I.D.

In this podcast, we will look at D.I.D. and also think about this idea of plural identity.

Dissociative identity disorder or DIDID is a clinically significant topic which can often be misrepresented in the media. So, let's begin by

defining it. Dr. Fader, what is D-I-D? Well, D-I-D is a condition in which a person experiences

the presence of multiple personalities within their own mind. A diagnosis of D-I-D by D-SM-5 criteria

requires that a person must have at least two of

these personalities. Each character has a distinct personality, memories, and way of interacting

with the world. It's similar to having a group of characters sharing the stage of one's mind,

and since an individual has more than one distinct personality,

it's a little bit more like open mic night than a theater troupe.

These performers don't know each other and steal the microphone from the current performer at times.

There can be gaps in the memory and recollection of day-to-day events

due to shifts in consciousness from one personality to another.

It can be challenging to maintain employment, relationships, and daily tasks due to the shifts between these multiple personalities.

As you mentioned, an individual with DID may appear to have multiple personalities residing within them, each taking turns in control.

They might experience memory gaps or act in ways that seem inconsistent with their usual behavior.

So, the person will struggle with maintaining coherent relationships with others.

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