Theories and Treatments of Dissociative Identity Disorder
Methodology that can help
The following information and much more is in my book THE CORNERSTONE OF HEALING.
There are many methods clinicians can use to treat dissociative identity disorder. Sadly, many clinicians do not believe that DID is real treating the symptoms with drugs. Instead of looking into the DSM to see the criteria for DID and that it is accepted as a real diagnosis by the American Psychological Association. But first, we must examine the different theories associated with dissociative identity disorder.
The Theory of Structural Dissociation
The leading theory in the formation of dissociative identity disorder is the theory of structural dissociation, postulated by Ellert Nijenhuis, Bessel Van der Hart, and Kathy Steele states that no one is born with an integrated personality. Instead, very young children have a loose collection of ego states for their different needs such as attachment to a caregiver and feeding.
Before the age of 6–9, children integrate into themselves the different personality states into one cohesive self.
However, trauma interrupts the normal process of integration leaving the child dissociated and unable to merge due to traumatic memories…
