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Dissociative identity disorder: an Australian series
1Dissociative Disorders Unit, Belmont Private Hospital, Carina, Queensland, Australia.
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
|March 20, 1999
Summary
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), or multiple personality disorder, is regularly diagnosed in Australia. Patients exhibit similar trauma histories and dissociative symptoms to those reported internationally.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously known as multiple personality disorder, has been increasingly reported globally.
- Previous research has primarily focused on North American populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the trauma and treatment histories, symptom profiles, and dissociative experiences of 62 DID patients in Brisbane, Australia.
- To compare findings with international DID case series.
Main Methods:
- Systematic assessments were conducted from 1992 onwards.
- Utilized the Dissociative Experience Scale and Dissociative Disorders Interview Schedule.
- Included a series of 57 patients seen by one author and 5 by another.
Main Results:
- The childhood trauma histories of Australian DID patients align with international reports.
- Clinical profiles and dissociative indices closely approximate those found in other countries.
- Dissociative symptomatology is a significant feature of the syndrome.
Conclusions:
- DID is regularly encountered in Australian clinical settings (inpatient and outpatient).
- The findings support the universality of DID symptomatology and its association with severe developmental trauma.
- Dissociative symptoms are central to the complex presentation of DID.