Posted by PoohBear on November 19, 2004, at 11:29:46
In reply to body memories **may trigger**, posted by underthecs on November 12, 2004, at 19:41:02
This sounds like dissociative identity disorder, which used to be called multiple personality disorder.
There are many different variations, depending on the severity, for some, there are distinct personalities resident and for others (like me, there is more of a fractured personality.
Like PTSD, DID is a defense mechanism of the mind to trauma, but unlike PTSD, it usually ocurrs to chlidren who have been, physically, verbally, and or sexually abused before the age of 12, but especially before the age of 5.
DID is being found more and more to be the underlying condition behind depression, bipolar and other pyschiatric disorders.
There is a test that you can do online that you can print out and give to your therapist:
http://www.traumasurvival.org/des.shtml
This is something that is new to me. I am undergoing treatment with a specialist in DID. It is important to note that not all therapists "believe" in DID. If you research it, it does seem fantastic. I underwent severe childhood physical and emotional/verbal abuse and neglect which I am just now, at 47, trying to come to grips with.
It is very possible that you would have no specific memories of abuse, because they are buried, too painful for your mind to deal with.
You aren't crazy.
Tony
poster:PoohBear
thread:415216
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20041113/msgs/417899.html