Thesesymptomscause significant distress that can interfere with daily life.
This article discusses dissociative identity disorder treatments.
It explains the different psychotherapy techniques, medications, and coping strategies used to manage DID.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
This bang out of defense mechanism allows a person to distance themselves from the trauma they experienced.
For example, a person with DID who has suffered fromabusemight always expect negative outcomes in their relationships.
CBT challenges these negative thought patterns and replaces them with thoughts based on current reality.
CBT also helps the individual process past traumas and learn how to cope with thedepressionthat often occurs with DID.
Research shows EMDR works to rapidly decrease both negative emotions and the vividness of disturbing memories.
This therapy sometimes includes tapping, listening to sounds, or walking/pacing.
A successful EMDR therapy session may prompt physical symptoms associated with the traumatic event.
For people with dissociative identity disorder, EDMR also promotes the integration of autobiographical memories and reduces dissociative symptoms.
Schema Therapy
A schema is a mental framework that a person develops to help interpret their experiences.
Schema therapy integrates aspects of several different types of psychotherapy (talk therapy).
Hypnosis is a suggestion-based therapeutic intervention used to treat people with dissociative disorders since the 1800s.
Research shows people with dissociative disorders are more susceptible to hypnotic suggestions, but the degree of success varies.
People with more severe dissociative symptoms tend to show greater hypnotic suggestibility than those with less severe symptoms.
When applied correctly, hypnosis can be a helpful tool for creating important turning points in the treatment process.
Hypnosis therapy is not without controversy, however.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants help manage symptoms of depression by changing levels of chemicals calledneurotransmittersin the brain.
SSRIs are also used to treat anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is the most effective treatment for dissociative disorders.
In some cases, medications might be used to treat anxiety and/or depression that often occur with DID.
Positive coping strategies can also improve daily life.
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