Multiple Identities, One Brain: Exploring Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

Summary

My project explores the science behind Dissociative Identity Disorder, which is a psychiatric condition diagnosed in 1.5% of the global population. DID is linked with early trauma and abuse, and it causes individuals to develop multiple personalities that act as a coping mechanism to deal with traumatic memories. This research project discusses different aspects of the disorder such as the symptoms of DID, genetic vulnerabilities of DID, specific brain structure differences in patients with DID, and outlines the neural activity in the brain when DID patients switch personalities. Additionally, it reviews the current treatments that are in use for treating DID, and future innovations that show promise in providing more comprehensive care for DID patients.

The difference in amygdalar volume and hippocampal volume in healthy controls (left) versus DID patients (right)
(Figure representation created by the author:Trisha Anup)

Impact Statement

Hello! My name is Trisha, and I'm from India. I've always been interested in research and getting to know more about rare psychiatric disorders that aren't represented in the media a lot, and this program has been the perfect outlet for me to satiate my curiosity while developing my research skills and contributing to the scientific community at the same time. I've learnt a lot of new information about how dissociative disorders like DID are treated, developed, and identified. The freedom to choose our project topic from such a vast field was very liberating, and I enjoyed working on it a lot.

By: Trisha Anup. The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Elio Academy.

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