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Dissociative identity disorder is one of Hollywood's favorite psychology-related topics,

from movies such as The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and The Three Faces of Eve

to this spring's Moonnight TV series, filmmakers and the public

have long been fascinated by what used to be called multiple personality disorder.

And that's not surprising. The idea that multiple personalities could exist in one person's mind

has obvious dramatic potential and might even feel familiar to some of us. But in real life,

dissociative identity disorder does not look like it does on the screen or in books. According

to some researchers, it is both more common and more subtle than fictional portrayals would lead

us to believe. Meanwhile, its causes and treatments remain controversial among many mental health

researchers and practitioners. So what is dissociative identity disorder? Meanwhile, its causes and treatments remain controversial among many mental health researchers

and practitioners.

So what is dissociative identity disorder?

How common is it and what causes it?

What is happening in the brains of patients who experience it?

What treatments are available and how well do they work?

And is there any truth at all to be found in its many portrayals in movies, in literature,

and on TV? Welcome to Speaking of Psychology, the flagship podcast of the American

Psychological Association that examines the links between psychological science and everyday

life. I'm Kim Mills.

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