Personality and Paraphilic Disorders- Dissociative Identity Disorder Controversy Associated with Dissociative Identity Disorder

Dissociative identity disorder is a personality disorder characterized by two or multiple personalities in an individual (Lynn et al., 2019). Most of the time, patients diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder have a dominant personality compared to the other personalities. The switch from one personality to another is stressful and sudden. There is much controversy surrounding dissociative disorders, such as dissociative identity disorder (Mitra & Jain, 2022). The diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder is controversial. Patients diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder present with symptoms considered unusual by several physicians and clinicians. The bizarre nature of these symptoms raises the question of whether clinicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, and physicians make diagnoses based on their emotional reactions, non-existent symptoms, or actual symptoms. Diagnosis and evaluation are conducted using diagnostic scales that are highly susceptible to increasing false positives (Mitra & Jain, 2022). A patient who reports that they cannot concentrate on their surroundings while watching television can be considered as having a disorder or experiencing a usual occurrence.

Healthcare professionals debate the existence of dissociative identity disorder (Lynn et al., 2019). Treatment and management of dissociative identity disorder are expensive and have huge monetary benefits to psychologists, private clinics, and other healthcare workers. Treatment of the disorder includes long periods of scheduled psychotherapy sessions that are expensive. Those who do not believe in dissociative identity disorder argue that the diagnosis is made for monetary benefits, personal benefits, and incentives. Besides, judges recommend several criminals to mental health examinations before their convictions. Further, individuals who do not believe in the existence of personality disorders argue that a dissociative identity disorder diagnosis can be made to help criminals escape justice. An individual who claims to be of another personality when committing a crime cannot be held responsible for that crime. Another controversy surrounding dissociative identity disorder is that psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals who believe in the existence of dissociative identity disorder do so to fit in among other mental health experts. Experts crave fame and recognition among their circles with discussions of patients they have diagnosed and treated for dissociative identity disorders.

Professional Beliefs about the Dissociative Identity Disorder

I believe in the existence of dissociative identity disorder. However, I recommend extensive research be conducted due to the controversies surrounding this disorder. Guidelines and regulations should be followed when making a diagnosis and treatment plan since the terms dissociation, personality, personality states, and identity are interpreted differently by different individuals. Rules and regulations must be strict to prevent cases of diagnosis being done for monetary benefits or self-gain.

Strategies for Maintaining a Therapeutic Relationship with Patients

The relationship between a patient and the therapist determines the patient’s healing journey and outcome (Mitra & Jain, 2022). A therapist must build a good relationship with a patient right from the beginning by treating a patient as an individual, without judgment, and reassuring the patient that the therapist is there for the patient’s benefit. A patient must understand their diagnosis to ensure compliance with their treatment plan. Follow-up sessions with the same therapist strengthen the relationship and trust between the patient and the therapist.