The Persistence of Folly: A Critical Examination of Dissociative Identity Disorder. Part I. The Excesses of an Improbable Concept

Abstract

Objective: To examine the concept of dissociative identity disorder (DID). Method: We reviewed the literature. Results: The literature shows that 1) there is no proof for the claim that DID results from childhood trauma; 2) the condition cannot be reliably diagnosed; 3) contrary to theory, DID cases in children are almost never reported; and 4) consistent evidence of blatant iatrogenesis appears in the practices of some of the disorder's proponents. Conclusions: DID is best understood as a culture-bound and often iatrogenic condition.