DID versus just dissociation?

Maybe I'm dense or something, I'm not sure. But could someone try and explain this to me? Like for example I don't understand the whole concept of splitting? Is there a way of knowing if u have DID or not without being diagnosed by a pdoc? Like I know mine listens most of the time but I don't know that he does a whole lot of evalutating necessarily. He listens to my complaints and gives some advice once in a great while but if it's something treatable I get a script for something that is supposed to help.

Thanks and sorry about the rambling.
Danielle

Hi evildouble.

Here's a website that talks about DID: DID info

I believe only a pdoc can give you an actual diagnosis, but I'm not positive. Your pdoc can talk to you more about it and there are ways pdoc can determine what's going on with you. I think I had read somewhere about the medicines you are on and it might be that you are having some side effects or that some of the combinations are causing some problems? Just make sure your pdoc knows all the meds you are on so he/she can make sure nothing is interacting with anything else.

I'm sorry you are struggling. Good luck to you as you figure things out.

mostly diagnosis comes from a psychologist who does psychological testing or could be done by a psychiatrist who does testing. usually testing is done when there is a suspicion of a particular disorder or to rule out something. you can ask for testing or for a diagnosis from your pdoc or T.

we were tested informally by our psychologist mostly because insiders presented themselves. she had suspected but couldn't diagnose until there was presentation of an insider. then she did some testing to confirm her diagnosis.

hope this helps.
W_I

I guess my original post isn't in this writing anymore probly a minor mistake while moving; anyway Just wanna know how the two are different or how they are distinguished; I mean I understand the diagnosis by professionals but I guess I'm looking for like the hallmark symptoms, etc. Might be more to add later...

Hope this helps.

There are tests they administer to check your levels of dissociation like a screening test called the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES). If you score high on that test then you'll be evaluated further with the Dissociative Disorders Interview Schedule (DDIS) and/or the Structured Clinical Interview for Dissociative Disorders (SCID-D).

Dissociative Amnesia
A defining characteristic of dissociative, amnesia is the inability to recall important personal information. This common dissociative disorder is regularly encountered in hospital emergency rooms and is usually caused by a single stressful event.

Dissociative Fugue
Like dissociative amnesia, dissociative, fugue also is characterized by sudden onset resulting from a single severe traumatic event. Unlike dissociative amnesia, however, dissociative fugue may involve the creation of a new, either partial or complete, identity to replace the personal details that are lost in response to the trauma.

Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder
The distinguishing characteristic of depersonalization disorder is the feeling that one is disconnected or unreal. Mind or body may be perceived as unattached, seen from a distance, existing in a dream, or mechanical.

Chronic depersonalization is commonly accompanied by "derealization," the feeling that features of the environment are illusory.

It should be noted that depersonalization as an isolated symptom may appear within the context of a wide variety of major psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, panic disorders and even depression.

Mild episodes of depersonalization have been reported following alcohol use, sensory deprivation, mild social or emotional stress or sleep deprivation, and as a side effect to medications. However, severe depersonalization is considered to be present only if the sense of detachment associated with the disorder is recurrent and predominant.

Dissociative Identity Disorder
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is the most chronic and severe manifestation of dissociation.

DID is believed to follow severe trauma including persistent psychological, physical, or sexual abuse. In this disorder, distinct, coherent identities exist within one individual and are able to assume control of the person's behavior and thought.

DID is often difficult to detect without the use of specialized interviews and/or tests, due to:
1) the hidden nature of the dissociative symptoms,
2) the coexistence of depression, anxiety, or substance abuse which may mask the dissociative symptoms.
3) it is not uncommon for a decade or more to pass before a correct assessment of DID is made.

Dissociative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
Dissociative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (DDNOS) is an inclusive category for classifying dissociative syndromes that do not meet the full criteria of any of the other dissociative disorders.

A person diagnosed with Dissociative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (DDNOS) typically displays characteristics very similar to some of the previously discussed dissociative disorders, but not severe enough to receive their diagnoses.


http://www.strangerinthemirror.com/dissociative.html

DID is so complicated and it's different for each person evildouble. The only thing that is the same for everyone is what is in the diagnostic criteria. There are tests though that you can take that can determine what's going on for you. They are pretty fool proof. Next time you go to therapy or pdoc, maybe you can ask them about taking tests to find out what's going on with you? I wish you the best.