Abnormal Psychology HW

Now that you have learned about Disassociative Identity Disorder (DID) and the controversies around it, what are your thoughts on it? Do you think it’s a real disorder? Are you concerned professionals may not be taking it seriously enough? Or do you think it may not be a true diagnosis and people (professionals and clients) may be manufacturing the diagnosis? Do you have any concerns over the legitimacy of the diagnosis? Remember, there doesnt seem to be many people using it to get out of criminal charges, so what might motivate a person to fake it? Either way, ethical concerns may be involved. Regardless of what your answer is, please explain it.

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Sample Answer

 

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a complex and fascinating disorder, but it’s also one clouded by controversy. Here’s a breakdown of some key points to consider:

Arguments for DID being a real disorder:

  • Trauma Link: DID is strongly linked to severe childhood trauma. This trauma can cause a fragmentation of a person’s psyche as a coping mechanism, leading to the development of distinct identities [1].
  • Characteristic Symptoms: People with DID exhibit distinct identities with their own behavior patterns, memories, and even physical attributes. Faking this level of detail and consistency over time is very difficult [2].

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  • Brain Scans: Some studies suggest brain activity differences in people with DID compared to healthy individuals, potentially indicating neurological underpinnings to the disorder [3].

Concerns about DID:

  • Overdiagnosis: DID is relatively rare, but some argue it may be overdiagnosed due to increased awareness or misinterpretation of normal dissociation experiences [4].
  • Suggestion and Iatrogenic Factors: There’s a concern that therapists’ suggestions or expectations might influence a patient to develop DID symptoms unintentionally [5].
  • Social Influences: Cultural factors and media portrayals of DID could create a suggestible environment, potentially leading to misdiagnosis [6].

Malingering (faking DID) seems uncommon:

Unlike some disorders that might offer legal advantages, faking DID is unlikely to be helpful. There’s little benefit to be gained, and the complex nature of DID with distinct identities and amnesia between them would be challenging to maintain convincingly [7].

Ethical Considerations:

  • Accurate Diagnosis: Misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to ensure patients receive the help they need [8].
  • Stigma: DID carries a stigma that can be damaging. Accurate diagnosis helps avoid misinterpretations and promotes better understanding [9].
  • Patient Trust: Building trust with a patient experiencing dissociation is essential for effective treatment [10].

Overall:

While there’s evidence for DID being a real disorder in some cases, concerns about overdiagnosis and social influences highlight the need for careful evaluation and responsible treatment approaches. Further research is needed to fully understand DID, improve diagnostic accuracy, and develop effective treatments.

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