Just to stir the pot, psychiatrists DO treat those with DID for medication issues...psychologists treat the other aspects of DID...except for medication, which psychologists CANNOT give to patients...

The DD spectrum is vast, and includes dissociative states at all levels...depersonalization, etc., and on the other end DID. So you see, the DD spectrum is vast and should be considered in its entirety...

If you have DID, you have parts or alters. Not ego states, not alternate personalities. Those all exist on the spectrum of DD, but not in DID circles as I have found true to form from most DID people I have talked to. And these alters have REAL names, not just "real" fake names that are inferred by the quote marks. Just as important as this information is, those with DID are not always aware of when they switch, or change personalities. So going to anyplace like Disney, ballgame, etc., there may be two or three or four who will come out at different times to make their demands for time. And the host for the DID person may lost significant time during any outing, and it doesn't have to be a "big" outing.

However, here on PC we are not allowed to say whether or not you have a certain problem or a different one. The best we can do is say that if you have concerns, you should go to your doctor, tell him/her your concerns, and ask her/him to get you to a psychiatrist/case manager/psychologist. It is with the psychologist you can get tested for what you think you have and then have the answers straight from him/her. Don't get discouraged. The tests may seem long, but they really aren't. They are just thorough so they can read their data and be assured of what you do have. I hope that you can find the right people to be behind you 100%. With searching, you can find mental health clinics, etc., if you call the United Way in your city or town. They will have a list of anything from Case Managers, for those who like to have all their care under one roof, to MSWs who are social workers, to Psychiatrists and Psychologists. After 18 years, I have finally found a great T and case manager, as well as a competent psychiatrist, who I trust with my life. They all know the diagnosis I have, and are behind me 100% to get better. I hope you find what you are looking for in terms of counseling. If you don't like your first counselor, you are allowed to find another. You have to find the one that "fits" you. By that I mean you need to find the correct person to counsel you, who will work with you and not against you, and who you trust to have your best interests at heart.

This may seem daunting, but once you start, you should be able to find someone who is in your corner. I wish you all the best.

Jewels