Lived Experiences of Men With Dissociative Identity Disorder

Abstract

Dissociative disorders affect 29% of the clinical population, with women diagnosed 9 times more often than men. For this study, the authors used a phenomenological approach to uncover experiences of 5 men with dissociative identity disorder. Findings revealed 5 themes: history, alters, male gender expectations and identity, challenges, and strengths and support. Implications for practitioners are discussed.

Conceptualizing multiplicity spectrum experiences: A systematic review and thematic synthesis

“…Individuals discussed the link between their experiences and past traumatic events, which they often felt was part of the development of multiplicity (McRae et al, 2017; Parry et al, 2018); however, the conceptualizations of their trauma varied. While some discussed multiplicity in terms of protective factors against trauma (Fox et al, 2013; Zeligman et al, 2017), others felt experiences were separate from prior trauma (Perry et al, 2007). Often not captured within research that solely focuses on clinical aspects of multiplicity, not all experiences were discussed as being a result of trauma, which added to the complexity in understanding (Ribáry et al, 2017).…”

“…Misdiagnosis related to how the lack of understanding surrounding the various, often heterogenous experiences associated with multiplicity would result in individuals being given diagnoses for other mental health conditions which ‘might be related, but they're very separate experiences’ (Černis et al, 2020, p. 13). A range of inaccurate diagnoses were reported including bipolar disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and schizophrenia (McRae et al, 2017; Zeligman et al, 2017). Misdiagnosis often had negative effects on participants, some of whom selectively attended to their experiences that aligned and ignored ones which did not fit within their (inaccurate) diagnosis in a bid to work with professionals' understanding (Floris & McPherson, 2015).…”

“…While being able to access diagnostic criteria felt validating for some (Floris & McPherson, 2015;Pietkiewicz et al, 2021), it often did not encapsulate the experience of multiplicity; thus, participants felt they were being pushed into specific criteria, which was not relevant or appropriate ( Černis et al, 2020) Zeligman et al, 2017). Misdiagnosis often had negative effects on participants, some of whom selectively attended to their experiences that aligned and ignored ones which did not fit within their (inaccurate)…”

‘And we are a human being’: Coproduced reflections on person‐centred psychotherapy in plural and dissociative identity

“…The stigma around plural identity has been exacerbated by sensational reporting in the media, and in popular fictionalisation of the experience (Zeligman et al., 2017). Prejudice results in difficulties identifying and managing the experience (Leonard & Tiller, 2015), as well as creating ‘iatrogenic doubt’ within mental health professions and patients, who both come to question the validity of lived experience, resulting in further barriers to support (Floris & McPherson, 2015).…”

“…Broady (2020) stated ‘forcing the integration issue actually causes the creation of new dissociative walls, which means greater separation, not integration’. Consequently, advocacy groups have started organising to share information and develop a pride‐full, safe community (Zeligman et al., 2017). Within this online community (cf., Discussing Dissociation, First Person Plural and PODS), many are opposed to ‘integration’ and their primary goal being ‘collaboration’, where an intrapsychic acceptance of all parts is invited, leading to better understanding, communication and teamwork.…”