DID and the Brain, 5

DID is fairly rare but estimates may be inaccurate as this condition or phenomena is often misdiagnosed. The Calvin A. Ross Institute for Psychological Trauma has estimated that perhaps 3 million individuals suffer from DID in the USA. A DID specialist has explained a way to better understand the development of the different identities or alters. Think of them as compartments (cabinets, drawers) that the mind forms to create a type of mental insulation. These compartments are designed to isolate the traumatic experiences within the individual person’s mind where they are not easily accessible. Some think the compartmentalization is also trying to keep the healthier part of the person separate (day by day) from all the trauma. One of the benefits of therapy is helping individuals admit that what happened to them was indeed abuse (that for many had never been reported much less acknowledged) and deal with the fear that has been many times a constant companion. Fortunately, much can been done to make life better for individuals diagnosed with DID.