["Multiple personality disorder" in childhood and adolescence]

Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) (ICD 10, DSM-III-R) or Dissociative Identity Disorder (DSM IV) is seen as a dissociative disorder. The diagnosis is mainly made only in adults. Descriptions of MPD in children or adolescents are rare in scientific literature. Both sexual and physical abuse are seen as the most important etiological factors. The diagnostic criteria include the presence of two or more identities within one person, the alternating control of the person's actions by the different personalities and amnesia with regard to episodes in one's life history which cannot be accounted for by forgetfulness.

Is MPD diagnosed in children and adolescents? Which criteria are relevant in this disorder?

All scientific publications found in an online search were individually analyzed.

The literature survey yielded 120 published cases of MPD in children and adolescents. The main clinical presentations are affective and anxiety symptoms, auditory hallucinations, amnesia and behavioral disturbances. The sex ratio for children and adolescents is 5:4 f:m, resp. 9:1 for adults. Description of the social and familial backgrounds of children and adolescents with MPD is inadequate. The number of MPD cases among children, adolescents and adults has risen in recent years.

MPD is diagnosed in children and adolescents. The diagnostic criteria are inconclusive.