Dissociation Historian
@pierre-janet.bsky.social
Facts about dissociation, dissociative disorders, multiplicity/plurality, etc.
Dissociative Identity Disorder is estimated to effect 1.5% of the population. Including DDNOS (measurement used at the time of study, now considered OSDD), prevalence was estimated at around 5%. By definition, dissociative multiplicity is not rare.
July 14, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Dissociative Identity Disorder is estimated to effect 1.5% of the population. Including DDNOS (measurement used at the time of study, now considered OSDD), prevalence was estimated at around 5%. By definition, dissociative multiplicity is not rare.
The treatment for Dissociative Identity Disorder involves what is called phase-oriented treatment. The phases are 1) Stabilization 2)Trauma work 3) Integration. It is not uncommon to go back to previous phases throughout treatment. Integration does not necessarily include fusion down into one alter.
July 12, 2025 at 3:31 PM
The treatment for Dissociative Identity Disorder involves what is called phase-oriented treatment. The phases are 1) Stabilization 2)Trauma work 3) Integration. It is not uncommon to go back to previous phases throughout treatment. Integration does not necessarily include fusion down into one alter.
When withdrawal from an abusive situation threatens survival (for example, the abuse being committed by a caretaker), the victim may go through betrayal blindness. A person may "forget" the abuse in order to maintain the attachment to the abuser necessary for survival.
July 11, 2025 at 3:50 PM
When withdrawal from an abusive situation threatens survival (for example, the abuse being committed by a caretaker), the victim may go through betrayal blindness. A person may "forget" the abuse in order to maintain the attachment to the abuser necessary for survival.
Ishmael Beah's (former child soldier) case tells us a lot about what it takes to heal from unimaginable trauma. In particular, the concept of forced perpetration can be dealt with and overcome. If child soldiers can recover and reintegrate into society, so can you.
July 10, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Ishmael Beah's (former child soldier) case tells us a lot about what it takes to heal from unimaginable trauma. In particular, the concept of forced perpetration can be dealt with and overcome. If child soldiers can recover and reintegrate into society, so can you.
Reposted by Dissociation Historian
Let’s increase knowledge and understanding of DID. It is more common than you realize, especially at the in-patient treatment level. #therapistsky #dissociasky #eatingdisorderrecovery #traumarecovery #mentalhealthpodcast
July 10, 2025 at 12:53 AM
Let’s increase knowledge and understanding of DID. It is more common than you realize, especially at the in-patient treatment level. #therapistsky #dissociasky #eatingdisorderrecovery #traumarecovery #mentalhealthpodcast
A 2024 experimental study suggested that some forms of dissociation are based around not just hyper disintegrative, but hyper integrative experiences. In simpler terms, not only does dissociation involve separating information, but combining information. A dense, but thought provoking read.
July 9, 2025 at 7:44 PM
A 2024 experimental study suggested that some forms of dissociation are based around not just hyper disintegrative, but hyper integrative experiences. In simpler terms, not only does dissociation involve separating information, but combining information. A dense, but thought provoking read.
Opinion: Thunderbolts* isn't just about mental health, it's about the guilt and shame that holds perpetrators back from recovery. It is only through confronting our past mistakes with love that we can actually start to change. If you're on this type of journey right now, I wish you the best of luck.
July 8, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Opinion: Thunderbolts* isn't just about mental health, it's about the guilt and shame that holds perpetrators back from recovery. It is only through confronting our past mistakes with love that we can actually start to change. If you're on this type of journey right now, I wish you the best of luck.
Should finish getting my sources added to all previous posts within the next day. My goal with starting this account was to shed light on an often misinterpreted way of being. Having references is an important part of that process.
July 8, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Should finish getting my sources added to all previous posts within the next day. My goal with starting this account was to shed light on an often misinterpreted way of being. Having references is an important part of that process.
It is common for Dissociative Identity Disorder systems to have an "inner world". The inner world is a psychic (and likely autohypnotic) representation wherein alters can be seen, interacted with, and communicate. Development of a "meeting room" in the inner world is typical in treatment.
July 7, 2025 at 3:02 PM
It is common for Dissociative Identity Disorder systems to have an "inner world". The inner world is a psychic (and likely autohypnotic) representation wherein alters can be seen, interacted with, and communicate. Development of a "meeting room" in the inner world is typical in treatment.
It is currently thought that dissociative disorders are underdiagnosed. One of the reasons commonly thought to be a cause is lack of proper education on the subject amongst professionals.
July 6, 2025 at 9:45 PM
It is currently thought that dissociative disorders are underdiagnosed. One of the reasons commonly thought to be a cause is lack of proper education on the subject amongst professionals.
The neurobiology of Dissociative Identity Disorder is still in its infancy, but so far points to cortico-limbic disconnect. Most commonly cited impacted areas are the pre frontal cortex, the amygdala, and the hippocampus.
July 6, 2025 at 3:26 PM
The neurobiology of Dissociative Identity Disorder is still in its infancy, but so far points to cortico-limbic disconnect. Most commonly cited impacted areas are the pre frontal cortex, the amygdala, and the hippocampus.
Alters in Dissociative Identity Disorder systems often form in accordance with the Karpman drama triangle. That is alters often take on the role of persecutor, victim, or "helper". An important part of processing is gaining awareness of and moving past these roles.
July 5, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Alters in Dissociative Identity Disorder systems often form in accordance with the Karpman drama triangle. That is alters often take on the role of persecutor, victim, or "helper". An important part of processing is gaining awareness of and moving past these roles.
"Alters" in plurality (Dissociative Identity Disorder, OSDD-1, etc.) are known under many different names in the literature. Parts, personalities, and headmates are the most common. It is currently recommended to use the terminology the person you're speaking to prefers.
July 5, 2025 at 3:11 PM
"Alters" in plurality (Dissociative Identity Disorder, OSDD-1, etc.) are known under many different names in the literature. Parts, personalities, and headmates are the most common. It is currently recommended to use the terminology the person you're speaking to prefers.
Developmental psychology tells us that a baby is not born with one personality, but several ego-states that are supposed to coalesce into one from ages 6-9. Repeated trauma interrupts this process, leading to Dissociative Identity Disorder. Therefore, DID is a developmental trauma disorder.
July 5, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Developmental psychology tells us that a baby is not born with one personality, but several ego-states that are supposed to coalesce into one from ages 6-9. Repeated trauma interrupts this process, leading to Dissociative Identity Disorder. Therefore, DID is a developmental trauma disorder.
Saying that trauma causes Dissociative Identity Disorder isn't precise. DID is caused by repetitive terror without escape that is past the child's ability to cope with and is never processed in a safe environment.
Talk to your kids about the difficult things they've been through.
Talk to your kids about the difficult things they've been through.
July 4, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Saying that trauma causes Dissociative Identity Disorder isn't precise. DID is caused by repetitive terror without escape that is past the child's ability to cope with and is never processed in a safe environment.
Talk to your kids about the difficult things they've been through.
Talk to your kids about the difficult things they've been through.
Freud's abandonment of his seduction theory (that is, early childhood csa leads to psychological issues) can be seen as one of the greatest mistakes in the history of psychology. It singlehandedly set trauma research back a century.
July 3, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Freud's abandonment of his seduction theory (that is, early childhood csa leads to psychological issues) can be seen as one of the greatest mistakes in the history of psychology. It singlehandedly set trauma research back a century.
Reposted by Dissociation Historian
Dissociative Identity Disorder is real.
Dissociative amnesia ("repressed"/recovered memory) happens.
And trauma responses aren't "choices."
Dissociative amnesia ("repressed"/recovered memory) happens.
And trauma responses aren't "choices."
July 3, 2025 at 12:56 AM
Dissociative Identity Disorder is real.
Dissociative amnesia ("repressed"/recovered memory) happens.
And trauma responses aren't "choices."
Dissociative amnesia ("repressed"/recovered memory) happens.
And trauma responses aren't "choices."
CW: Suicide
The idea of suicide can be, paradoxically, life affirming.
"Hating one's self is saving one's self. If suicidal fantasies are comforting and empowering it's because your being in control of the annihilation is soothing." Harvey Schwartz, The Alchemy of Wolves and Sheep
The idea of suicide can be, paradoxically, life affirming.
"Hating one's self is saving one's self. If suicidal fantasies are comforting and empowering it's because your being in control of the annihilation is soothing." Harvey Schwartz, The Alchemy of Wolves and Sheep
July 2, 2025 at 9:20 PM
CW: Suicide
The idea of suicide can be, paradoxically, life affirming.
"Hating one's self is saving one's self. If suicidal fantasies are comforting and empowering it's because your being in control of the annihilation is soothing." Harvey Schwartz, The Alchemy of Wolves and Sheep
The idea of suicide can be, paradoxically, life affirming.
"Hating one's self is saving one's self. If suicidal fantasies are comforting and empowering it's because your being in control of the annihilation is soothing." Harvey Schwartz, The Alchemy of Wolves and Sheep
Apparently Normal Parts are poorly named, but makes more sense in the context of their original naming. Charles Meyers used the term to describe WWI shell shocked soldiers. The ANP was the person as they existed before the war. Emotional Parts acted upon the ANP via intruding post traumatic symptoms
July 2, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Apparently Normal Parts are poorly named, but makes more sense in the context of their original naming. Charles Meyers used the term to describe WWI shell shocked soldiers. The ANP was the person as they existed before the war. Emotional Parts acted upon the ANP via intruding post traumatic symptoms
Dissociative Identity Disorder is on a spectrum with PTSD. Both have traumatized parts of the consciousness referred to as Emotional Parts, but only DID has multiple Apparently Normal Parts (those responsible for daily living). For more information, look for the Structural Theory of Dissociation.
July 2, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Dissociative Identity Disorder is on a spectrum with PTSD. Both have traumatized parts of the consciousness referred to as Emotional Parts, but only DID has multiple Apparently Normal Parts (those responsible for daily living). For more information, look for the Structural Theory of Dissociation.
Disorganized Attachment (characterized by alternating avoidant, anxious, and dissociative attachment behaviors) is implicated in the development of Dissociative Identity Disorder.
July 1, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Disorganized Attachment (characterized by alternating avoidant, anxious, and dissociative attachment behaviors) is implicated in the development of Dissociative Identity Disorder.
Borderline Personality Disorder IS NOT Dissociative Identity Disorder, but the two are very similar and highly comorbid. It is likely that DID is underdiagnosed in BPD populations.
July 1, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Borderline Personality Disorder IS NOT Dissociative Identity Disorder, but the two are very similar and highly comorbid. It is likely that DID is underdiagnosed in BPD populations.
The first recorded case of what would today be considered Dissociative Identity Disorder is Jeanne Fery. At the time (1584) it was considered a possession, but involved alters (demons), amnesia, and several traits commonly associated with modern DID. Joan of Arc is also a possible early case of DID.
June 30, 2025 at 8:21 PM
The first recorded case of what would today be considered Dissociative Identity Disorder is Jeanne Fery. At the time (1584) it was considered a possession, but involved alters (demons), amnesia, and several traits commonly associated with modern DID. Joan of Arc is also a possible early case of DID.
It's true that people are likely to remember trauma better in simple ptsd. However, when we take Betrayal Trauma into account, this is not true. If the trauma is perpetrated by someone you know, you are less likely to remember it. The interpersonal context of trauma matters.
June 30, 2025 at 1:56 PM
It's true that people are likely to remember trauma better in simple ptsd. However, when we take Betrayal Trauma into account, this is not true. If the trauma is perpetrated by someone you know, you are less likely to remember it. The interpersonal context of trauma matters.