Dearest Amandalouise,

Thank you for your well rounded insight. I am aware that there isn't anything called "Sleep DID" in the DSM 5. I even have a copy of the book. But, I've done tons of online research and found articles written about it. Just because something is not listed in the DSM 5 doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Since you are so educated on the the DSM 5, you should know it gets updated and changes as psychologists learn more about mental health. I have read very interesting scholarly articles on DID. Some theorize that DID is closely related to OCD. One theory I've read is there are two types of DID, one of which is the traditional form of which you speak. Another type is when someone compartmentalizes their emotions into separate identities in an OCD type of way.

I hear the voices mostly at night before I go to sleep, or during the day if I nap. In fact, I asleep after I dropped my son off at school today, and I was awoken by a voice that said, "Jen, you gotta get up!!" I used to think they were ghosts I was hearing, or my angels. Now I believe it has something to do with the DID. No, I was not formally diagnosed yet, but I know what's wrong with me. To imply that I don't have it goes against the rules of this site. Truth be told, I'm not really trying to be diagnosed with a mental illness, as I have a successful career with the federal government, and they have access to my mental health records.

I've also done my research on Thought Disorder and the different types. One type refers to the manner in which someone speaks, while the other refers to how someone thinks. The first type refers to how someone may stutter and repeat certain words when they speak. The theory is that if someone can't speak right, their thoughts are disordered. The second type of thought disorder refers to beliefs someone may have that are delusional, such as paranoia. As for hypochondria, I don't have much kowledge of that. But again, if you mentioned that to say I'm a hypochondriac and don't really have DID, then you are violating the rules of the site.

For your information, I do see a psychiatrist and told him about my DID. He told me that's something I needed to speak to my therapist about. All he did was prescribe me Lexapro for the PTSD and said to come back in a month. He is the second psychiatrist ive seen so far too. From what I've read, DID is a cognitive emotional disorder that is treated with therapy, not meds. So the psychiatrist's lack of interest seems to fit. Well, at least here in America ;-)

As for my personal beliefs, mental disorders are as vast and different as there are people on this planet. To try and put every disorder in a neat little box and act as if they're all the same is silly. I for one don't take the DSM 5 as my bible. People are different and psychologists are often wrong. I purposely didn't tell any of the many psychiatrists and therapists that I thought I had DID. Instead, I just told them my story. And you know what? Each one came up with a different diagnosis!! One GAD, one PTSD, and one FTR to name a few. Ha! The same exact story. You know what that lead me to believe? They really don't know what they're talking about.

When I told them I thought I had DID, they all agreed it sounded like that might be the case, but do far, no one has came up with a treatment. I found a local hypnotherapist that I'm going to try this Friday. I'm willing to do anything to get help, and I'm doing most of it on my own. I'm sad and lonely and joined this forum for support. So far most people here are nice and supportive, and I'm glad I joined :-)