A dissociative disorder in which the individual adopts two or more distinct personalities. each personality is a fully integrated and complex unit with memories, behavior patterns and social friendships. transition from one personality to another is sudden.

Dissociative identity disorder (DID), previously known as multiple personality disorder (MPD), is characterized by the presence of at least two distinct and relatively enduring personality states. It has a history of extreme controversy. The disorder is accompanied by memory gaps more severe than could be explained by ordinary forgetfulness. According to the DSM-5-TR, early childhood trauma, typically starting before 5–6 years of age, places someone at risk of developing dissociative identity disorder.(p334) Across diverse geographic regions, 90% of people diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder report experiencing multiple forms of childhood abuse, such as rape, violence, neglect, or severe bullying.(p334) Other traumatic childhood experiences that have been reported include painful medical and surgical procedures,(p334) war,(p334) terrorism,(p334) attachment disturbance,(p334) natural disaster, cult and occult abuse, loss of a loved one or loved ones, human trafficking,(p334) and dysfunctional family dynamics.(p334) There is no medication to treat DID directly, but medications can be used for comorbid disorders or targeted symptom relief—for example, antidepressants for anxiety and depression or sedative-hypnotics to improve sleep...