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Multiple personality. 165 years after Mary Reynolds
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
|October 1, 1980
Summary
Multiple personality, once thought rare, may be common and misdiagnosed. Ego psychology research offers new insights into the origins of this complex dissociative disorder.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Ego Psychology
Background:
- The 1970s saw a rise in multiple personality disorder (MPD) reports, questioning its perceived rarity.
- Traditionally, MPD was misclassified as a purely hysterical disorder, overlooking other etiological factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether multiple personality is a rare phenomenon or a commonly misdiagnosed condition.
- To propose a comprehensive theory on the genesis of multiple personality, integrating ego psychology and developmental theories.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing case literature on multiple personality.
- Analysis of contemporary theories in ego psychology, particularly concerning borderline disorders.
- Consideration of diagnostic criteria, personality structure, and etiology.
Main Results:
- The study suggests multiple personality may be frequently misdiagnosed.
- Ego psychology provides a framework for understanding the origins of MPD beyond hysteria.
- A detailed theory of MPD genesis is proposed based on developmental psychology.
Conclusions:
- Multiple personality disorder warrants re-evaluation regarding its prevalence and diagnostic accuracy.
- Ego psychology offers a more nuanced understanding of MPD etiology.
- Further research into diagnosis, treatment, and the underlying mechanisms of MPD is recommended.