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Psychiatrists' attitudes to multiple personality disorder: a questionnaire study
1Department of Psychiatry, Ottawa General Hospital, Ontario.
Summary
Canadian psychiatrists hold divided views on Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD). A significant portion doubt its existence, influenced by media and personal beliefs, indicating a professional split on this diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Mental Health Diagnosis
- Social Psychology of Medicine
Background:
- Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD), now known as Dissociative Identity Disorder, has been a subject of debate within the psychiatric community.
- Understanding psychiatrists' attitudes is crucial for assessing diagnostic practices and patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the perspectives of Canadian psychiatrists regarding Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD).
- To determine the perceived prevalence of MPD across three Ontario cities: Ottawa, Kingston, and London.
Main Methods:
- A survey questionnaire was distributed to psychiatrists in the Canadian Psychiatric Association residing in Ottawa, Kingston, and London.
- The questionnaire collected data on personal clinical experience with MPD, attitudes towards the disorder, and demographic information.
Main Results:
- A response rate of 61.2% (180 out of 294) was achieved.
- 27.8% of responding psychiatrists expressed doubt about the existence of MPD, with higher skepticism noted in London compared to Kingston and Ottawa.
- A majority across all surveyed cities acknowledged the influence of media coverage and personal belief systems on MPD prevalence.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a significant division within the psychiatric profession concerning the acceptance of MPD as a valid diagnosis.
- Attitudes towards MPD appear to be influenced by external factors such as media and individual psychiatrist beliefs.