March 1, 2017
WHO ARE YOU TODAY? Closer look on what Dissociative Identity Disorder really is.
By: Nickolas Rosell-Cevasco Michelle Arellano Lizth Romero Ziad Malik
Inside:
Are you Nervous yet? Splitnosis
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Table of Contents
Page 1………………………………………………………….Cover Page Page 2………………………………………………………….Table of Contents Page 3: ………………………………………………………… Article 1 Page 4………………………………………………………….. Article 1 continued Page 5………………………………………………………….. Advertisement. Page 6…………………………………………………………...Article 2 Page 7…………………………………………………………...Article 2 continued Page 8……………………………………………………………Article 3 Page 9…………………………………………………………....Article 3 continued Page 10…………………………………………………………..Advertisement Page 11………………………………………………………….. Short Article 1 Page 12…………………………………………………………. Short Article 2 Page 13…………………………………………………………. Short Article 3 Page 14…………………………………………………………. Advertisement Page 15………………………………………………………….. Data #1 Page 16………………………………………………………….. Data #2 Page 17…………………………………………………………...Data #3 Page 18……………………………………………………………Data #4 Page 19……………………………………………………………..Data #5 Page 20……………………………………………………………..References
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Who Are You Today? Dissociative identity disorder, also known as multiple personality disorder, is an intricate psychological disorder that is most likely caused by factors such as trauma in early childhood like neglect, severe, repetitive sexual, emotional, or physical abuse. DID is one of three major dissociative disorders, dissociative amnesia and depersonalization-derealization disorder are the other two. Dissociative identity disorder is an extreme form of dissociation which is a separation of normally related mental processes, like a person’s feelings, actions, memories, thoughts, or their sense of identity. Neuroimaging studies have proved that some parts of the brain operate differently with people that have DID. By studying the results of the abuse on neurodevelopment, the difference between a normal brain and one with DID. The cause of DID can be found before to neurodevelopment that happens during childhood. People with this disorder are sometimes unable to remember important personal information. This disorder allows two or more different identities, or personality states, to be found in or take over a person.
We see the difference between a child with a normal brain and one that has been neglected/ abused which leads to DID. About 90 percent of the people struggling with DID were abused in their childhood and suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and often have flashbacks, nightmares, other sleep disruptions and can sometimes have somatoform disorders which is a mental illness that causes one or more bodily symptoms and can cause pain. Dissociative identity disorder has been said to be a ‘creative survival technique’ for a child that is being repeatedly abused, another technique used is fantasy play which the child plays different roles and act out different situations. Although it is unusual for the disorder to emerge in adulthood, because that is when identities are already formed, it is still possible.
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DID is not portrayed as an expansion of separate identities, it is more like a split of an identity. The main identity holds the person’s name and it is usually depressed, submissive, dependent, and guilty. Every alter personality is skillful as if it has its own identity, appearance and history. Alter identities has different names, age, knowledge, mood, allergies, blood pressure, gender, etc. than the main identity. Specific situations or stressors like make the other alter identity come to light. The alter identities might not even know that another identity exist or they will refuse the fact that they know about the other identity and can be judgmental towards each other and be in some sort of a fight with them.
DID can have strong impact on the host to the point where they don’t even know who they are.
These personalities at times can battle against each other.
There are many different type of alter identities and the amount of alter personalities vary on the person. The most common alter identity is the child alter, this alter is most likely the first one to appear and it is the one that protects the main identity from the abuse that they couldn’t handle from when they were younger. Another common alter is the protector and in times there can be more than one. The protector is usually braver and stronger than the main identity and was there for them to help them through unbearable times. The persecutor and perpetrator identities both usually target the person who abused the main identity but the persecutor blame the main identity for the abuse they suffered and is usually the one to blame after it tries to kill itself. Avenger alters are very vicious towards the other identities and go after the abuser. Animal alters are less common, they can be more aggressive that human alters and can emerge due to the child being told they’re an animal or treated like an animal. This identity can sometimes be classified as a protector as well.
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Kevin has become overtaken by one of his 23 personalities which is Dennis which leads him to kidnap 3 girls. Will his multiple personalities get the worst out of him or will one of his personalities realize what he’s doing is wrong? Find out on January 20th in theatres.
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Are You Nervous Yet? The Nervous System is a very interesting system in our body. It controls everything we do, even the things we do without thinking about them. The Nervous System contains the Brain, Spinal Cord, Nerves, and Neurons. These nerves and neurons are the ones that carry the information from your brain on to the rest of your body. For example the instruction to pick something up with your right hand is done by the brain but the signals are then transmitted through the nerves and neurons. Nerves are cylindrical bundles of fibers that start at the brain and branch out to every other part of the body. This is when the neurons come along and they are the ones that sends signals to the other cells through this small bundle of fibers that are called axons.
In This diagram we see the main components of the CNS which is the Brain and Spinal Cord, and the main components of the PNS are the nerves.
The Nervous system is divided into two parts, The Central Nervous System and the Peripheral Nervous System. The Central Nervous System is made up of the Brain, The Spinal Cord and nerves. While the Peripheral Nervous System is made of sensory neurons and ganglia and of nerves that connect the Central Nervous System to the rest of the body. The Peripheral nervous System divides in 2 subcategories: somatic and autonomic. The autonomic is then subdivided into: sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. The Somatic system controls all voluntary actions. On the other hand the Autonomic system is the one that controls all of our involuntary actions. These involuntary actions include: controlling of blood pressure, heart beating and rate of breathing. There are 43 segments of nerves that we find in our bodies.
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Each segment has its own pair of sensory and motor nerves. 31 of these segments of nerves are found in the spinal cord and the other 12 are found in the brain stem. Sensory Neurons are the neurons that work with your senses. They react to different things such as lights, sounds and touch and they send all this information back to the Central nervous system. Some Sensory Neurons with touch cause the motor neurons to activate for there to be muscle contraction. The motor neurons are the neurons that are responsible for transmitting information which tells the muscles and glands to activate. For example you are in cold weather so the sensory neurons would send information to the motor neurons so then the motor neurons will tell your muscles to contract rapidly which we know as shivering. These two neurons work together at times.
We see how the sensory neurons feel the heat/burning sensation in your fingers which sends a message for your finger to pull away from the heat.
Neurons have may parts to it. The Dendrites are the small branches at the end of the neurons which receive the impulses and information from other cells to the cell body. The cell body also known as the soma is the one that receives the information and prepares it for delivery by the axon. The axon is the one that conducts the electrical impulses or messages away from the cell body. The myelin sheath helps the electrical impulses pass at a faster speed. Schwann cells support the regeneration of nerves, so if a nerve is damaged the Schwann cell will help digest the axons. The Node of Ranvier also helps for the nerve impulses to pass quickly. The Axon Terminals are the ones to release this impulse to where it needs to go in the body. In general the Nervous System is a fascinating part of the human body with many opportunities that are yet to be discovered about it.
Diagram of a Neuron
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Split Between Numbers
We see the differences in hospitalizations for both male and females with different age groups.
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Splitnosis
the “host” has found peace and has come to terms with who they are. Dissociative Identity Disorder or DID is a disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states. In other words this disorder is the constant interchanging of multiple minds in one body. The reason thought as to why this disorder happens is most likely because of severe trauma experienced early on in childhood. According to a Dissociative Identity Disorder article it states that “The dissociative aspect is thought to be a coping mechanism -- the person literally dissociates himself from a situation or experience that's too violent, traumatic, or painful to assimilate with his conscious self”. When a young child is going through the early stages of brain development any experience: violent, sexual, traumatic can alter their brain in a very dangerous way. DID is thought to be a phenomenon or some sort of connection to a different disorder. This disorder is not commonly diagnosed since there is so much controversy between medical professionals as to what it is exactly. Since there is so much back and forth there isn’t a specific test to diagnose someone. What is normally done, a patient performs a mental-health interview following medical evaluation in order to rule out any other personality disorder. There is no cure for dissociative identity disorder. There are long-term treatments which have been proven to be successful in the sense that the patients have a better state of mind. Effective Treatments includes psychotherapy, medications, hypnotherapy, and adjunctive therapies such as art or movement therapy is very successful, if the patient stays committed.
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Example of a patient with DID attending a session of hypnotherapy.
The most common treatment for DID is Psychotherapy or more commonly known as talk therapy. Since while having this disorder the person goes through “a severe form of dissociation, a mental process which produces a lack of connection in a person's thoughts, memories, feelings, actions, or sense of identity” they find it helps attending talk therapy. Talk therapy “encourages communication of conflicts and insight into problems”. The point of talk therapy is to make the patient feel safe and like there in an open environment, usually the patient is unaware when they switch “alters” and they most likely came from a deep dark past so making them feel secure in their current environment is essential.
Group therapy is considered to be a common and very successful treatment for DID.
Another common type of treatment is group therapy. Group therapy provides the type of environment where these people could listen to other’s stories and not feel so alone. An attending psychiatrist is always present and helps them get through the emotions. Patients attend therapy not only to provide a sense of responsibility, order, and stability but to alter any personalities that could be considered self-harming or dangerous in general. The therapists treating these patients need to find ways to connect to all personalities in order to help them become a self-aware and non-threatening person no matter what personality they turn into at any given time. Once the patient builds an efficient routine the process of getting their life in order becomes easier.
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At McLean Hospital they offer talking therapy for people that are affected by Dissociative Identity Disorder. If you are interested you may call toll free at : 800.833.0338.
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Split Between Numbers
Statistics of Mental Illness in the U.S.
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Multiple Brains? Effects of Dissociative Identity Disorder on Other Body Systems Dissociative Identity Disorder is a disorder in which a person has multiple personalities where one is affected mentality in a way where their life Is permanently changed. Many believe that this disorder only affects the brain and that is not true. Dissociative Identity Disorder leads to many problems in other body systems such as the digestive system. Dissociative Identity Disorder causes eating disorders which causes the digestive to react in a way where it is not healthy for the person. Also in some instances, some of the personalities cause Self harm among the patients of Dissociative Identity Disorder which causes damage to skin and sometimes internal organs and veins. There are many effects of Dissociative Identity Disorder that effect the body in a way where it is labeled as dangerous for the human body. Dissociative Identity Disorder causes things like Hallucination, Anxiety, Depression, Drug Abuse, Suicidal Thoughts and more which tend to help or progress towards self-harm. In conclusion, many believe that the reason Dissociative Identity Disorder is labeled as a dangerous disorder is because it may lead to harm to the body and not just a different way a person is.
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Split Between Numbers
We see the Child Abuse rates and from what age range they are abused at.
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Splitworld: Demographics Dissociative Identity Disorder affects many around the Nation and the world. But in this article, we will give the details behind the select few in the Country who have Dissociative Identity Disorder and who they are categorized as. Dissociative Identity Disorder is considered rare and only affects around 1% of the population. Many consider millions of the cases that are reported lead back to Childhood abuse that later affects the person in a way where their Personalities split and they have no control over it and it causes problems in the nervous system and other body systems. Dissociative Identity Disorder is something that is present in all races but is more common in American Children. Since more females experience Childhood abuse with a ratio of 10:1, they are the ones who suffer Dissociative Identity Disorder more compared to men. Dissociative Identity Disorder that is caused by childhood abuse is typically caused by trauma from before the age of 9. The more abuse present during childhood the higher level of Dissociation there is in the person. Also, the younger you are when you experience Childhood abuse the more critical and intense the disorder will be with you. The average amount of personalities there are with a person who suffers with Dissociative Identity Disorder is around 8-13 but there are some cases that have recorded more than 100 cases. Also Dissociative Identity Disorder was seen in 17.2% of a large group of impatient people seeking treatment for substance abuse.
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Split in Numbers
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Mental Illness statistics in 2001.
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Headsplitting Facts Fun Facts about the Nervous System
The Nervous System is one of the most affected if not the only affected body system regarding Dissociative Identity Disorder. Let’s say a certain patient with Dissociative Identity Disorder cannot walk because of a chronic disease or Injury. An altar of this patient may be able to stand up because in terms of the brain activity and brain responses and control of the body the alter ego is a completely different person. The brain limits us sometimes making us think we cannot do certain actions when really the brain is stopping us because it doesn’t want us to get hurt. However, with alternate personalities the brain changes too. The brain no longer thinks there is an injury or problem with the legs and allows for you to get up and walk hence the many cases where certain people with Dissociative Identity Disorder can do actions where they were told they might never be able to do. Dissociative Identity Disorder also affects victims’ memories. Whenever someone with trauma from childhood has stress, anxiety or any other feeling that disturbs everyday behavior and life ethic, releases high concentrations of stress hormones such as norepinephrine, epinephrine, glucocorticoids, and endogenous opiates, Which affects people with Dissociative Identity Disorder and their memory. These hormones make people forget or not realize what it was that triggers their alter ego’s to come out. It could be a fear of police officers that makes another personality come out. In conclusion, the nervous System is heavily affected in regards to Dissociative Identity Disorder which affects the way a person lives and affects how a person comes back from such a dangerous and scary disorder.
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Stanley Ipkiss is a nice business man, but when the mask goes on his personality changes completely and takes over his life. In theatres on March 15th.
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Split in Numbers Females are more susceptible to abuse as children compared to males as children at a ratio of 10:1. Children aged from 9 and younger that are abused are the most susceptible to getting DID. More than 70% of people with DID have attempted suicide or committed self harm.
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References
Article 1: Tracy, N. (n.d.). Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder Alters. Retrieved February 28, 2017, from http://www.healthyplace.com/abuse/dissociative-identity-disorder/understanding-dissociative-identity-disorder-alters/ Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder). (n.d.). Retrieved February 28, 2017, from http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/dissociative-identity-disorder-multiple-personality-disorder#1 Trego, H. (2013, July 13). Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Mysterious and Challenging Condition. Retrieved February 28, 2017, from https://www.decodedscience.org/dissociative-identity-disorder-a-mysterious-and-challenging-condition/2389 (n.d.). Retrieved February 28, 2017, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/conditions/dissociative-identity-disorder-multiple-personality-disorder Trego, H. (2013, July 13). Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Mysterious and Challenging Condition. Retrieved February 28, 2017, from https://www.decodedscience.org/dissociative-identity-disorder-a-mysterious-and-challenging-condition/2389 Dissociative Identity Disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved February 28, 2017, from http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro01/web1/Shah.html#4 http://traumadissociation.com/alters
Article 2: Zimmermann, K. A. (2016, March 11). Nervous System: Facts, Function & Diseases. Retrieved March 01, 2017, from http://www.livescience.com/22665-nervous-system.html Mandal, M. D. (2013, November 03). What is the Nervous System? Retrieved March 01, 2017, from http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-the-Nervous-System.aspx Nervous System. (n.d.). Retrieved March 01, 2017, from http://www.innerbody.com/image/nervov.html The Human Nervous System. (n.d.). Retrieved March 01, 2017, from http://www.wikipremed.com/mcat_course_psychology.php?module=1ยงion=1 Article 3: Dryden-Edwards, M. R. (n.d.). Dissociative Identity Disorder Symptoms and Treatments. Retrieved March 01, 2017, from http://www.medicinenet.com/dissociative_identity_disorder/article.htm
Tracy, N. (n.d.). Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) Treatment Challenging. Retrieved March 01, 2017, from http://www.healthyplace.com/abuse/dissociative-identity-disorder/dissociative-identity-disorder-did-treatment-challenging
Gentile, J. P., Dillon, K. S., & Gillig, P. M. (2013, February). Psychotherapy and Pharmacotherapy for Patients with Dissocia Identity Disorder. Retrieved March 01, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3615506/ What is dissociative identity disorder? (2012, September 11). Retrieved March 01, 2017, from http://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/mental-disorders/dissociative-identity-disorder2.htm
Short Articles: Trego, H. (2013, July 13). Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Mysterious and Challenging Condition. Retrieved February 28, 2017, from https://www.decodedscience.org/dissociative-identity-disorder-a-mysterious-and-challenging-condition/2389 Is DID have related wih nervous system? : Dissociative Identity Disorder Forum. (n.d.). Retrieved February 28, 2017, from http://www.psychforums.com/dissociative-identity/topic15176.html Tracy, N. (n.d.). Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) Statistics and Facts. Retrieved February 28, 2017, from http://www.healthyplace.com/abuse/dissociative-identity-disorder/dissociative-identity-disorder-did-statistics-and-facts/ International, I. A. (n.d.). Dissociative Identity Disorder . Retrieved February 28, 2017, from https://www.aamft.org/imis15/AAMFT/Content/Consumer_Updates/Dissociative_Identity_Disorder.asp Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder). (n.d.). Retrieved February 28, 2017, from http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/dissociative-identity-disorder-multiple-personality-disorder#1