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Professional skepticism about multiple personality.

¹Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk 23501.

The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease

|September 1, 1988

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Therapists treating multiple personality disorder (MPD) face significant professional skepticism. While some skepticism is explainable by factors like declining psychiatric interest in dissociation, extreme skepticism involving harassment is also prevalent.

Area of Science:

Psychiatry
Psychology
Mental Health

Background:

Multiple personality disorder (MPD), now known as dissociative identity disorder (DID), has historically faced skepticism within the professional community.
Understanding the prevalence and clinical presentation of MPD is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

To survey therapists who have treated patients with MPD regarding their experiences with professional skepticism.
To identify the nature and extent of skepticism encountered by clinicians treating MPD patients.

Main Methods:

A survey was distributed to therapists reporting experience in treating patients diagnosed with multiple personality disorder.
Respondents were asked about the types and frequency of professional skepticism they encountered.

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Main Results:

78% of therapists surveyed reported encountering intense skepticism from colleagues regarding the existence of MPD.
Skepticism was often linked to decreased psychiatric interest in dissociation, underestimation of dissociative abilities, and misconceptions about MPD presentation.
Extreme skepticism, including harassment of patients or therapists, was reported by half of the respondents.

Conclusions:

Professional skepticism towards MPD is widespread and multifaceted.
While some skepticism stems from theoretical and educational gaps, a significant portion involves extreme behaviors that impede patient care and professional practice.