Cognitive Behavior Therapy in the Treatment of Multiple Personality

Abstract

The case of Audrey H. represents the first successful cognitive behavioral treatment of a multiple personality reported in the literature. In this article the construct of multiple personality is briefly reviewed from various theoretical perspectives. The therapeutic approach chosen involved first the analysis of the emotions and behaviors of each subpersonality and then the process of integrating each alternate by cognitively developing in Audrey the realization that her various alternates all were facets of the same individual. Various specific behavioral procedures were employed, all within a generally orchestrated program of cognitive restructuring. Five years after the completion of therapy, this patient was experiencing no dissociation whatsoever and only moderate levels of anxiety.