Dissociative identity disorder: Fact, fantasy or invalid?

Abstract

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a rare, complex and controversial mental health presentation, characterised by two or more distinct personality states and recurrent gaps in memory. Mental health practitioners currently rely on their own assessment of the available literature to conceptualise the presentation of DID as a result of lack of guidelines from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence. This article presents the key findings of a systematic literature search and narrative synthesis of the conceptualisations of DID. This aims to offer an overview of current thought to support practitioners in their understanding, assessment, formulation and approach to working with this population. Three key approaches to the conceptualisation of DID were identified as dominant discourses in the literature: trauma-based models, sociocognitive models and invalid diagnosis theories. This review identified the need for a more collaborative approach to research between the different schools of thought and for more flexibility in approach from those working in the field.