Dissociative Identity Disorder
Mental Health "Psychiatric Care"
Pathophysiology
Dissociative identity disorder occurs when 2 or more identities rotate control over the client’s behavior.
Clients will typically have amnesia or lack of memory, not aware that the alternate identities exist, & often
confused by the big gaps in their memory.
How does this happen? Ususally caused by a traumatic event like abuse or rape, the various identities
& memory gaps serve as protective mechanisms helping to shield the client from the traumatic memories.
Naturally, stress & anxiety that remind the client can trigger the identities into play.
HESI Question
Dissociative episode: .....
Select all that apply.
.....
Dissociation is a method for
coping with severe stress
Dissociative symptoms are not under
the person’s conscious control
The existence of two or more
subpersonalities, each with its
own patterns of thinking
Treatment
e various identities into 1 personality by integrating past events.
HESI Question HESI Question
5 NCLEX TIPS
grounding techniques...
to alleviate symptoms? Which factor would indicate
1. Grounding techniques: Hold an ice cube in your hand successful treatment?
Deep breathing, counting coins,
The patient has integrated
holding an ice cube past events
2. Journal about feelings & triggers
3. Trust: Develop a trusting Remember?
relationship with each identity
4. Self-harm: Monitor & listen for
expressions of self-harm
5. NEVER ask the client to
recall memories
Mental Health "Psychiatric Care"
Pathophysiology
Dissociative identity disorder occurs when 2 or more identities rotate control over the client’s behavior.
Clients will typically have amnesia or lack of memory, not aware that the alternate identities exist, & often
confused by the big gaps in their memory.
How does this happen? Ususally caused by a traumatic event like abuse or rape, the various identities
& memory gaps serve as protective mechanisms helping to shield the client from the traumatic memories.
Naturally, stress & anxiety that remind the client can trigger the identities into play.
HESI Question
Dissociative episode: .....
Select all that apply.
.....
Dissociation is a method for
coping with severe stress
Dissociative symptoms are not under
the person’s conscious control
The existence of two or more
subpersonalities, each with its
own patterns of thinking
Treatment
e various identities into 1 personality by integrating past events.
HESI Question HESI Question
5 NCLEX TIPS
grounding techniques...
to alleviate symptoms? Which factor would indicate
1. Grounding techniques: Hold an ice cube in your hand successful treatment?
Deep breathing, counting coins,
The patient has integrated
holding an ice cube past events
2. Journal about feelings & triggers
3. Trust: Develop a trusting Remember?
relationship with each identity
4. Self-harm: Monitor & listen for
expressions of self-harm
5. NEVER ask the client to
recall memories
