Dissociative identity (multiple personality) disorder in Poland: a clinical case description and diagnostic difficulties.

PURPOSE: Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is characterized by the presence of a minimum of two identities. Each identity has different fixed patterns of perception, establishing relationships, and thinking about itself and the environment in which it lives. The etiology of dissociative identity disorder is still not fully understood. The aim of the study is to review the literature on the psychopathology and diagnostics of DID and to describe the clinical case of a patient with co-existing DID and paranoid schizophrenia.

CASE DESCRIPTION: The male patient discussed in the article is characterized by the presence of three separate identities (the dominant male personality, and two additional personalities, male and female). The main personality informing about the existence of the others is the female personality, with a female name.

COMMENT: Psychiatrists and psychologists, as well as doctors of other specialties, should have knowledge about the symptomatology of dissociative identity disorder in order to have a holistic approach to patient care.