3-6-15 Post: Bipolar Disorder versus Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder)

Question/Comment: I have been in and out of therapy and rehab since I was a child. Usually I get a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder and but this last time I got a diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder. What’s the difference.

Response: In general, the behavior of someone with a Bipolar Disorder can look very much like the behavior of someone with Dissociative Identity Disorder. Both can have times of depression, both can have times when they are very happy and elated, both can have times of acting out and getting into trouble, both can walk away from their lives and responsibilities, both can have times where they seem very child like, both can have flashes of rage and both have a very hard time functioning in adult roles. To make it even more confusing, a person with Multiple Personalities can also have a Bipolar Disorder.

As far as getting better and the type of treatment that is best for a person, it is best to not focus on what the diagnosis is. It is best to find a health care professional and ancillary treatment professionals that are a good fit for the patient. The patient will then try various types of therapy.  One or more techniques will help the individual make changes and improvements to thoughts, feelings, behavior and life situations. 

As in any change effort the key is in never giving up on yourself. Remember that you are learning something new and if you don’t achieve "instant perfect," keep on keeping on until you find what helps you best.  Also, remember that no one can do the work for you and no one is to blame for any perceived lack of achievement.  Neither you or your health care providers are not to blame if you don’t achieve some standard of perfection. 

What is really going on is that you will be exploring to find out who you are, what you believe and what you want to change or let remain the same. Only you can do the work. Others can guide you, provide information and show you techniques that are useful. When one chooses to make deep changes to self, it is a process that takes place over time and has various steps. It can be a very pleasurable and interesting process with many twists and turns.  What a wonderful way to go through life; that is, as an explorer with the power and ability to change.

While emotional pain, anger and fear can sometimes be catalysts that push a person into seeking help, they need to be put into perspective as soon as possible. The focus has to shift away from pain relief onto meaningful, satisfying change. The patient has to take responsibility for her/himself. Please, know that guilt, self recrimination, blame, retribution, fear and anger are completely unnecessary to the change process and will always be a side track that can keep a person from meaningful insights and meaningful change.