City Research Online

Abstract

This thesis reviews both the UK and International literature on Dissociation, and in particular Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD), or as it is now known, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), in an historical context from the early seventeenth century to the present day. The prevailing published view, of Psychiatrists and Psychologists in the UK, that DID does not exist in Britain and is a US phenomenon, is critically explored. Cases are traced throughout many countries of the world and across this historical period, showing that US hegemony is a modem phenomenon. Two areas of original contributions to the topic are presented and discussed in this thesis. The first is presented via a case study of the author’s psychotherapy with a young woman diagnosed with DID. This account permits an extended critical analysis of the diverse theoretical issues surrounding DID and, as an original contribution, provides a discussion regarding treatment issues, raised in relation to the specificity of DID as well as highlighting the need for professional training and supervision. The second original contribution is the construction and analysis by the author of a nationwide survey sent to all Psychiatrists (registered with the Royal College of Psychiatry) and Clinical and Counselling Psychologists (registered with the British Psychological Society) in the UK, which is discussed and analysed. Further analyses focus upon variations in professionals’ response rates and patterns of identification of the disorder. Age and gender profile of reported cases were found to be comparable to other psychological conditions.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Psychology School of Health & Psychological Sciences > School of Health & Psychological Sciences Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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