Occupational Therapy in the Treatment of Individuals with Multiple Personality Disorder

Abstract

Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) has been diagnosed with increasing frequency in the last ten years. It is no longer considered rare. A result of child abuse or trauma, MPD is a dissociative disorder which defends the child from the overwhelming experiences of abuse. In adulthood the client may present with amnesia, auditory hallucinations, depression, eating disorders and borderline personality disorder. Occupational Therapy intervention has become more common and has gained recognition by both clients and clinicians. Mosey's developmental frame of reference serves as a basis for the treatment of Multiple Personality Disorder by occupational therapists at the Royal Ottawa Hospital. This treatment approach uses projective techniques and life skills teaching with alter personalities to offer age appropriate learning experiences. A composite case history is included to illustrate the range of goals and activities involved

Dissociative identity disorder: a literature review

“…Oke & Kanigsberg (1991) take a more specific occupational view and suggest that common skill deficits for the person with DID include: sensory integration, cognitive, dyadic interaction, group interaction, self identity and sexual identity. These skills are commonly deficient because past trauma may have occurred during crucial developmental stages.…”

Play therapy with multiple personality disorder clients.

“…It should not be surprising, then, that most of the traumatic memories are retained by child alters. Often the alter has been threatened by the abuser "not to tell" about the abuse (Oke & Kanigsberg, 1991). In cases of SRA, the person may have witnessed murders, so the threat must seem very real and powerful.…”

“…Play, art, and sand therapies offer a way to facilitate communication, cooperation and acceptance among the alters (Oke & Kanigsberg, 1991; Steckler & Torem, 1991; Sweig, 1990, 1991). Alters may be present and engage in some type of art work or play activity without ever announcing their presence.…”