If you or a loved one suffers from dissociative identity disorder (DID), or multiple personality disorder, see Cynthia Doodeman, PsyD, at Queer Notions Psychology in Shorewood, Illinois. She diagnoses and offers highly effective treatments for DID to help you overcome your condition in a healthy way and work through difficult life challenges. Call the Queer Notions Psychology office or use the online booking tab today.

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What is dissociative identity disorder?

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a mental health challenge in which you have two or more separate identities or personalities. Each personality controls behaviors at different times, and each has its own unique personality traits. DID can cause problems at work, at school, and in interpersonal relationships without proper treatment.

What are the symptoms of dissociative identity disorder?

The signs and symptoms often associated with DID include:

  • More than one distinct personality
  • Gaps in memory
  • Hallucinations
  • Disorientation
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Delusions
  • Drug or alcohol abuse
  • Thoughts of suicide

DID is rare, affecting just .01-1% of the population. Women are more likely to develop dissociative personality disorder than men.

Some people with this disorder have up to 100 distinct personalities of different genders, ages, and ethnicities.

What are the risk factors for developing dissociative identity disorder?

DID often results due to physical or sexual abuse during childhood. Other times it develops because of being in military combat, a traumatic accident, or a natural disaster as a way to distance yourself from past trauma.

While dissociative identity disorder often appears during childhood, it might not be effectively diagnosed until adulthood.

How does my provider diagnose DID?

Dr. Doodeman uses various strategies to diagnose DID. She gets to know you by talking with you and asking questions about your lifestyle, thoughts, mood, emotions, and behaviors. She may also talk with a loved one to get their perspective.

How is dissociative identity disorder treated?

The most effective treatment for multiple personality disorder is psychotherapy. Dr. Doodeman is highly trained in treating dissociative identity disorder with more than 20 years of experience, particularly working with the LGBTQIA+ community.

She meets with you virtually for an hour weekly to help you address the root causes of DID and overcome problematic symptoms of the condition. She helps you navigate through past abuse or trauma, manage behavioral changes, and merge multiple personalities into a single identity.

Over time, Dr. Doodeman helps you thrive in relationships, at work, or in school and function exceptionally in society.

If you suspect you or a loved one has dissociative identity disorder, schedule an evaluation at Queer Notions Psychology by phone or online today.