Dissociative identity disorder is a common mental disorder also known as multiple personality disorder wherein two or more identities alternate in a single individual.

Review of symptoms and personal history may help the mental health professional to evaluate the condition. Hypnosis can help the doctor identify alternate personalities to be able to diagnose dissociative identity disorder.

Psychotherapy also known as talk therapy, counseling or psychosocial therapy includes techniques to work overcome trauma that triggered the symptoms of the condition. Medications are often not necessary; however doctor may prescribe anti-depressant or tranquilizer to help control the mental symptoms that come with dissociative identity disorder.

The mental condition is characterized by switching to alternate identities when face under a stressful situation. There is a presence of one or more individuals talking inside the head with different names, voice, gender, and physical attributes like the need to use corrective eyewear. In some cases individuals having this mental disorder also have dissociative amnesia or extensive memory loss that can’t be defined by physical or neurological condition. They are prone to causing harm to themselves and engage in self-mutilation and suicide.

It appears to be caused by a combination of several factors including ability to separate one’s memory and perception from conscious awareness, overwhelming stress, and psychological development is not normal and not enough protection and nurture during childhood.