Dissociative Identity
Disorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder):
Characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality
states that recurrently take control of the individual's behavior accompanied by
an inability to recall important personal information that is too extensive to
be explained by ordinary forgetfulness (DSM-IV p. 477). Eating disorders may appear among the manifestations of DID while dissociative states (depersonalization, trance-like states, out-of-body experiences, amnesias, and multiple personalities) have been seen in cases of eating disorders. Source 1, 2 D.I.D. reflects a failure to integrate various aspects of identity, memory and consciousness. Each personality state may be experienced as if it is a distinct individual, with a unique history, image, identity, name, etc. There is typically a primary identity and then various alternate identities emerge under specific circumstances often with individual names, ages, genders, knowledge base, etc. The individual may experience disruptions in consciousness, memory, sense of identity, perception and experience feelings of emotional separation as well as manifest post-traumatic symptoms (nightmares, flashbacks, and startled responses), self-mutilation and/or suicidal and aggressive behaviors. It is diagnosed 3-9 times more often in adult females than in adult males and females tend to have more identities than males (females average 15 or more compared to males averaging 8 identities). DID tends to be chronic and recurrent with average time period from onset to diagnosis being 6-7 years. Source: DSM-IV-TR |
Why an ED glossary? This comprehensive glossary has been created to give parents a quick reference tool that explains, in simple lay language, the terms used in the research, management and treatment of eating disorders. It is designed to empower parents by helping them understand a very complex range of illnesses in order to converse with their treatment providers, ask the right questions, understand the answers, and ultimately plan and execute the most effective course of treatment. Many of the terms are broad and may be employed in other areas of medicine or mental health; the definitions provided here apply specifically to their meaning within the context of eating disorders. Additional source references are provided for those wishing to delve deeper. The EATING DISORDERS GLOSSARY is researched, written and maintained by F.E.A.S.T - Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders, an international non-profit organization. The definitions and explanations provided here have been edited with the help of members of FEAST's Professional Advisory Panel. The definitions are designed to inform and explain the terms factually according to the best evidence available. They do not seek to advise you on any course of treatment; that should remain the domain of your treatment providers. To protect the quality of information, the glossary cannot be edited by readers. However, we openly solicit comments, corrections or modifications on existing material as well as your suggestions for additional terms on the vast subject of eating disorders. Send your suggestions and comments to [email protected].
About F.E.A.S.T. F.E.A.S.T. -- Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating disorders -- is an international organization of and for parents and caregivers. A non-profit organization founded in 2008, F.E.A.S.T.'s mission is to help loved ones recover from eating disorders by providing information and mutual support, promoting evidence-based treatment, and advocating for research and education to reduce the suffering associated with eating disorders. The organization is run by a board of directors, almost all of whom are parents of sufferers, and it is guided by a Professional Advisory Panel of eating disorders experts from the United States, France, United Kingdom and Australia.F.E.A.S.T.'s founding principles:
We welcome you to visit F.E.A.S.T., and perhaps even join us in our mission. |
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