1980 - 1989
Medical
Diagnostic Changes
In 1980, the DSM-III included dissociative identity disorder as "multiple personality" within the dissociative disorders category.
In 1987, the revised third edition of the DSM (DSM-III-R) included dissociative identity disorder as "multiple personality disorder" within the dissociative disorders category.
In 1987, the revised third edition of the DSM (DSM-III-R) included dissociative identity disorder as "multiple personality disorder" within the dissociative disorders category.
Treatment
In 1989 and assuredly before, psychotherapy for MPD/DID at this time was often split into three stages: Stage 1 where trauma is not yet discovered, Stage 2 where trauma processing begins after the discovery, and Stage 3 where all trauma memories have been processed [1].
While the full fusion of alters was recommended, it was not the only option. Recovering MPD/DID systems were given the choice of how they wanted to heal. Licensed social worker and recovering DID system, Rita M. (1989), states that "not all multiples 'integrate' and become whole. That is their choice, and that choice is okay, as long as the system can function effectively and peacefully as a unit" [1].
According to Kluft (1988), the full fusion of alters was often a desired goal in treatment but it shouldn't be coerced or forced. "Several therapists have expressed and explored the view that a negotiated settlement or reconciliation of the personalities, considered a stage in treatment by most, may be a more readily achievable and/or preferable end point or goal than unification," he states [2]. "It seems to me that after treatment you want to end up with a functional unit, be it a corporation, a partnership or a one-owner business," expresses Dr. David Caul about psychotherapy for MPD/DID (1983).
An example of someone diagnosed with MPD who choose to remain multiple would be Truddi Chase, an American author with 92 identities [3]. Another example would be and Judy, a Harvard student who choose to remain multiple after achieving healthy cooperation within their system [4].
While the full fusion of alters was recommended, it was not the only option. Recovering MPD/DID systems were given the choice of how they wanted to heal. Licensed social worker and recovering DID system, Rita M. (1989), states that "not all multiples 'integrate' and become whole. That is their choice, and that choice is okay, as long as the system can function effectively and peacefully as a unit" [1].
According to Kluft (1988), the full fusion of alters was often a desired goal in treatment but it shouldn't be coerced or forced. "Several therapists have expressed and explored the view that a negotiated settlement or reconciliation of the personalities, considered a stage in treatment by most, may be a more readily achievable and/or preferable end point or goal than unification," he states [2]. "It seems to me that after treatment you want to end up with a functional unit, be it a corporation, a partnership or a one-owner business," expresses Dr. David Caul about psychotherapy for MPD/DID (1983).
An example of someone diagnosed with MPD who choose to remain multiple would be Truddi Chase, an American author with 92 identities [3]. Another example would be and Judy, a Harvard student who choose to remain multiple after achieving healthy cooperation within their system [4].
Community
Literature
In 1987, The Troops for Truddi Chase published When Rabbit Howls, an autobiography about a multiple with 92 identities sharing their experiences recovering from childhood abuse and MPD.
In 1989, Chris Costner Sizemore, better known as "Eve" from the Three Faces of Eve, published her autobiography, Mind of My Own, detailing her triumph recovering from MPD.
In 1989, Many Voices Press began publishing bimonthly newsletters created by and for people with MPD and dissociative disorders. These newsletters provided words of hope and healing resources for those with multiplicity, dissociation, and severe trauma.
In 1989, Chris Costner Sizemore, better known as "Eve" from the Three Faces of Eve, published her autobiography, Mind of My Own, detailing her triumph recovering from MPD.
In 1989, Many Voices Press began publishing bimonthly newsletters created by and for people with MPD and dissociative disorders. These newsletters provided words of hope and healing resources for those with multiplicity, dissociation, and severe trauma.
References
- M., R. (1989, June 1). Recovering. Many Voices Press, p.7
- Kluft R. P. (1988). The postunification treatment of multiple personality disorder: first findings. American journal of psychotherapy, 42(2), 212–228. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.1988.42.2.212
- Chase, T., & Phillips, R. A. 1. (2002). When Rabbit howls. Berkley trade pbk. ed. New York: Berkley Books.
- Hale, E. (1983). Inside The Divided Mind. The New York Times Magazine. https://www.nytimes.com/1983/04/17/magazine/inside-the-divided-mind.html.
- Many Voices Press, December 2002