We often see characters in tv shows and movies who have multiple personality disorder.  They are usually not portrayed realistically.  This book sheds a tremendous amount of light on a much misunderstood malady.    Today, we refer to this disorder as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID).  This name for the disorder is much more descriptive of the actual disorder.  Previously, it was believed by most to be an extremely rare condition, bought on by some sort of trauma.  Today, psychologists understand that DID is a fairly common outcome of individuals, often young children, who have endured severe trauma, usually cruel and repeated physical, sexual, mental and emotional  abuse.  Additionally, the patient often lacks attachment to others.

To be diagnosed  with DID, a person exhibits two or more distinct personalities. or identities that may alternate taking control of the person's consciousness, actions and behavior.  While the person may exhibit a wide range of symptoms, the most common appear to be depression, memory loss, substance or drug abuse,  panic and/or anxiety attacks, entering a "trance-like" state, sleeping or eating disorders,  distrust of others, and lack of self care or hygene.

The author, A.T.W., is a survivor of DID, and has written a book of rarely seen depth and explanation of the disorder.  The book discusses and explains the work and steps taken by the author, her Therapist and the therapy group.  DID is a serious disorder, and while the book offers exceptional methods and techniques, it is not meant to work alone to handle the disorder.  Individuals suffering DID would best be served by utilizing the exercises in the book with a qualified therapist. , it is not a substitute for intense therapy, but instead a worthwhile tool for use in conjunction with a qualified therapist.  

A person with DID needs numerous coping mechanisms and an understanding of the disorder.  With the proper help, it is possible for the patient to learn to work with his or her differing identities, integrating them to work together to allow the patient to live a fulfilling and satisfying life.  Focusing on individual responsibility, I think this book could be a groundbreaking work in the field of DID.  It offers a hopeful, helpful, understanding guide for those surviving with DID and their families.  Highly recommended, and offers rare insight and understanding.  

Reviewed on 11/13/2009 by ReviewTheBook.com Member LAURI COATES

I MAY NOT BE  PERFECT, BUT PARTS OF ME ARE WONDERFUL


A Review of: got parts? An Insider's Guide to Managing Life Successfully with Dissociative Personality Disorder  (Ann Arbor, MI: Loving Healing Press) 2005 (1st edition)
ISBN: 10  1932690042
by ATV

ATV has Dissociative Identity Disorder, previously known as "multiple personality."  Over years of abuse, neglect and lack of understanding about who she was, why she was mistreated, what she had done, and how to deal with it, ATV split off into many pieces, many persons, representing different stages of her development, male and female, heterosexual and homosexual, young and old, brilliant and special needs....  Considered to be low functioning, she actually developed lifesaving techniques to preserve some semblance of normal functioning.

Dissociative Identity Disorder affects approximately 8 percent of Americans.  Although looked at as a serious mental illness, ATV sees it as "a highly creative survival technique for preserving some areas of healthy functioning (viii)."  ATC was badly treated by her family of origin and, in response,  first through drug and alcohol use, "splitting" and other desperate efforts to stay alive mentally and physically, ATV broke into pieces, each of which came with it's own history, experience of abuse and neglect, coping mechanisms and, when they all got together, the possibility of acceptance, safety, hope and wholeness.

Dissociative Identity Disorder must be treated carefully.  Psychologists, psychiatrists and other mental health workers need to be attentive to and respectful of clients with DID.  It often goes unrecognized, even by the persona in the room.   Like many other client populations, DID clients are likely to trust and respond to a therapist who is caring, supportive and, most of all, accepting of the person trying to integrate the pieces into a whole.  How hard it must be to be trying to face what happened, when you feel so naked and fearful. How difficult it is to focus when the voices of the people within you are giving 
well-meaning  suggestions.  Behavioral techniques are very helpful.  Moreso is respect for the client and deep listening to the story and the story behind the story and the story unfolding within the story.

got parts?  Among the parts, let there be compassion, hope, companioning, acceptance, and movement towards freedom.
 

Reviewed by Patricia M. Berliner, Ph.D.
NYS licensed psychologist

Reviewed on 08/23/2009 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Patricia Berliner