Art and multiple personality disorder: an expressive framework for occupational therapy

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Occupational Therapy
• Trauma Studies

Background:

• Dissociative disorders and multiple personality disorder (MPD) involve alternate identity systems developed to cope with trauma.
• Amnesia and identity confusion in these patients lead to significant daily life dysfunction.
• Trust and control are critical issues, posing challenges for occupational therapists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline an expressive art framework for occupational therapists.
• To guide the therapeutic management of artwork behaviors in patients with dissociative disorders or MPD.
• To provide guidelines for establishing a therapeutic alliance and climate for self-expression.

Main Methods:

• Clinical observation of over a dozen patients with MPD and individuals with dissociative trauma.
• Observations conducted in an acute care, inpatient occupational therapy setting.
• Development of a progressive model for viewing patients' art products.

Main Results:

• Patients with dissociative disorders/MPD, often resistant to groups, respond well to expressive art activities.
• Expressive art serves as an effective initial activity for engagement.
• The proposed framework aids in managing artwork behaviors and fostering self-expression.

Conclusions:

• Expressive art therapy offers a viable pathway for occupational therapists to engage patients with dissociative disorders/MPD.
• The framework supports the creation of a positive therapeutic alliance and climate.
• Art-based interventions can facilitate recovery and self-expression in trauma survivors.