Project Light
It existing is debatable. People have
something. The debate isn't whether or not it's a real thing, but what that thing actually is. It being multiple personalities within a single body is a stretch. The issue, to my limited knowledge of the debate, is that it exists because it is reinforced and/or led on by other parties, namely therapists. It falls prey to demand characteristics.
From what I've learned about it, it's not about multiple personalities existing within a single body, but rather a single personality that becomes fragmented into pieces, each of which characterizes a different aspect of the sufferer's personality.
But I understand what you mean. It's difficult to quantify and define. So the definitions and the title aren't particularly reliable. There's definitely
something there, but what it is... Well, sometimes science doesn't have all the answers, though they definitely try.
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Are you clinically- or self-diagnosed? DID exists in less than 1% of the population, so you'll have to excuse me if I find it hard to believe that someone functionally capable of holding an account on a website and discussing via a forum has it. Generally, such strong disorders prevent one from socializing to such an extent, though I don't know if DID has that property. I suppose I wouldn't be surprised either way, but its lack of a prevalence does make me suspicious of anyone who claims to have it.
To the point, I think the issue is how it's defined, not whether or not it's a thing as a whole. An alternate idea for it that I'll just throw out there is dissociative amnesia, mixed with a BPD- or bipolar-esque emotional response.
I'm sure within our lifetimes we'll discover much more about it, but at current even the most influential psychologists debate its definition, namely which qualities are biological and which are socially reinforced or demanded.
That's perfectly understandable. Nearly anyone I meet who claims to have anything that's uncommon, I take what they say with a grain of salt. But yes, I have been clinically diagnosed. And yes, much of my life is hectic and fragmented, and I've always had social problems. I find it easier to socialize online, particularly in forums. I can leave off a conversation and pick it up later, I can act "normal" and no one sees the difference. That's something I can't always pass off in real life. I tend to seclude myself from people to avoid bad things happening. Not just the social awkwardness, but rapid changes brought on by triggers. Sometimes things can get scary. But I've managed to find a level of coexistance that I can deal with. Not always, but in general. Enough to get by and do what I need to do, at least.
Again, I can definitely understand where you're coming from on that. The main issue is, as you said, the lack of prevalence. It's difficult to study something when there are few genuine cases. And it doesn't make things any easier with the wide range of circumstances and the way things present themselves. That coupled with the fact that people don't like being treated as guinea pigs makes it difficult to study the disorder and learn more about it. I know that I personally wouldn't want that. What if I turned out worse than I was beforehand? It's a sticky situation. But I'm sure that yes, in time we will learn more about it.
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