Question 1

What is the average length of time between an individual's first symptoms of dissociative identity disorder and the identification and diagnosis of the disorder by a professional?

Accepted Answer

The average length of time between an individual's first symptoms of dissociative identity disorder and the identification and diagnosis of the disorder by a professional is seven years. This is due to the complexity and rarity of the disorder, as well as the fact that individuals may be hesitant to seek help or may receive a misdiagnosis initially.

Question 2

If left untreated,what course does dissociative identity disorder usually take across the life span?

Accepted Answer

The answer of If left untreated,what course does dissociative identity...

Question 3

What happens during interpersonality amnesia?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What happens during interpersonality amnesia?
...

Question 4

Dr.Arnold follows the sociocognitive explanation of alter personalities in dissociative identity disorder.Which statement would Dr.Arnold most like make about the development of alters?

Accepted Answer

The sociocognitive explanation suggests that alters in dissociative identity disorder (DID) can develop as a result of social and interpersonal influences, including the reinforcement of certain behaviors or identities by therapists or other influential figures. This perspective does not necessarily imply that alters are intentionally fabricated, but rather that they can emerge in a social context where certain responses are validated or encouraged.

Question 5

What do we call the model that suggests that most symptoms of dissociative identity disorder can be accounted for by therapists who inadvertently suggest the existence of alters to suggestible individuals?

Accepted Answer

The model described is the sociocognitive model, which proposes that DID symptoms can be attributed to the suggestion and reinforcement of alternate identities by therapists, often through the use of hypnosis or other suggestive techniques.

Question 6

Sue has dissociative identity disorder.What does she most likely also have?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with dissociative identity disorder often have a history of trauma or abuse, which can increase their risk for developing other psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, or substance use disorder. Therefore, it is likely that Sue has at least one other psychological disorder. While some individuals with dissociative identity disorder may have a history of problems with the law or meet criteria for antisocial personality disorder, these are not guaranteed to be present in all cases.

Question 7

Pat has dissociative identity disorder and lives with her parents.Her parents observe her "switch" from one personality to another on a regular basis.How do her parents describe the "switches"?

Accepted Answer

Dissociative identity disorder is often characterized by sudden switches between different personalities, which can be instantaneous and unpredictable. It is unlikely that the host personality is subtly orchestrating the switches, and there is little evidence to suggest that the original personality has control over when or how the switches occur. Gradual switches would also be atypical for this disorder.

Question 8

According to Ross (1997)and others,what is the average number of alter personalities (i.e.,in addition to the original personality)in individuals with dissociative identity disorder?

Accepted Answer

According to Ross (1997) and others, the average number of alter personalities in individuals with dissociative identity disorder is about 15.

Question 9

What is the nature of an alter personality?

Accepted Answer

The nature of an alter personality can vary between individuals with dissociative identity disorder (DID). In some people, the alter personality is distinct from the host personality, while in others it is partially similar. Therefore, the best choice is D, which acknowledges that the nature of alter personalities can differ between individuals.

Question 10

Dr.Little has a new patient who has just developed dissociative identity disorder.Which of the following people is most likely Dr.Little's patient?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Dr.Little has a new patient who has...

Question 11

During a dissociative fugue state,which of the following is it NOT uncommon for individuals to do?

Accepted Answer

The answer of During a dissociative fugue state,which of the...

Question 12

Cathy claims to have 16 different personalities,each with its own unique traits and memories,living inside her.If her claims are accurate,what condition is she most likely suffering from?

Accepted Answer

Cathy's description of having multiple personalities with their own traits and memories is consistent with dissociative identity disorder (DID), which used to be referred to as multiple personality disorder. This condition involves the presence of at least two distinct identity states or personalities within an individual, leading to disruptions in memory, behavior, and sense of self.

Question 13

In dissociative identity disorder,who is usually the first personality to seek treatment?

Accepted Answer

The person's original personality is usually the first to seek treatment because they are experiencing distress and confusion from the presence of multiple other personalities or alters. They may be struggling to understand what is happening to them and seek help in managing the alters and their behaviors.

Question 14

In the "Hillside Strangler" case,what did Kenneth Bianchi claim to be suffering from?

Accepted Answer

Kenneth Bianchi claimed to be suffering from dissociative identity disorder, which is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities, each with its own pattern of perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the environment and self.

Question 15

Angie has dissociative identity disorder (DID).What is most likely part of Angie's history?

Accepted Answer

Dissociative identity disorder is often linked to childhood trauma, particularly abuse. Drug and alcohol abuse and delusions may be present in individuals with DID, but childhood abuse is a more significant risk factor. There may be a family history of trauma, but not necessarily a family history of the disorder itself.

Question 16

What is the main reason that dissociative identity disorder (DID)patients tend to have many additional psychological disorders?

Accepted Answer

DID is often associated with severe physical, emotional, or sexual abuse during childhood. This trauma can contribute to the development of other psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse disorders. Therefore, the main reason that DID patients tend to have many additional psychological disorders is due to the traumatic experiences they have endured.

Question 17

What sort of sexual behaviour do "alters" exhibit?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What sort of sexual behaviour do "alters"...

Question 18

With regard to dissociative identity disorder,what does the term "alter" mean?

Accepted Answer

An "alter" is a different personality from the original personality of the individual with dissociative identity disorder. It is a separate identity or identity state that may have its own name, age, gender, beliefs, and memories.

Question 19

In dissociative identity disorder,what is the "host" personality?

Accepted Answer

The "host" personality is usually the one who initially seeks treatment and becomes the patient. This personality may also be the most aware of the other personalities and may seem to have the most control over switching between them. However, it is important to note that each individual with dissociative identity disorder may experience different symptoms and have unique experiences with their alter personalities.

Question 20

Mary,who is 40,appears to believe she is a 20-year-old woman.Suddenly,however,she starts to speak and behave very differently,and says she no longer thinks of herself as "Mary." Instead,she claims to be Elise,a 10-year-old child.What has Mary most likely just experienced?

Accepted Answer

Mary has likely experienced a switch in which she has taken on the persona of Elise, a different part of her personality. This is a common experience in dissociative identity disorder (DID), in which a person has multiple distinct personalities or identities. An alter trance (A) refers to a dissociative state in which a person feels disconnected from reality but does not necessarily involve a personality shift. A conversion reaction (C) refers to a physical symptom that has no organic cause but is instead related to psychological distress. A host reaction (D) is not a commonly used term in the context of dissociative disorders.

Quiz 6: Somatic Symptom and Dissociative Disorders