ALTERNATING PERSONALITY Meaning and
Definition
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Alternating personality refers to a psychological condition characterized by the presence of two or more distinct and significantly different personality states or identities within an individual. These contrasting personalities may emerge separately and interchangeably at different times, depending on certain triggers or stressors. This condition is more commonly known as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously termed as Multiple Personality Disorder.
Individuals with alternating personality often experience episodes of dissociation, which is a detachment from reality or an altered state of consciousness. During these dissociative episodes, different personalities or alters may emerge, each having their own unique characteristics, thoughts, memories, and behaviors. These alters can vary in age, gender, and temperament, and may even have distinct names and personal histories.
Transitions between these personalities can occur suddenly and may be accompanied by noticeable changes in mannerisms, speech patterns, and beliefs. The person may not have any recollection of events or experiences that occurred while a particular alter was in control. These transitions can cause significant distress and impair the individual’s ability to function in everyday life.
Although the exact causes of alternating personality are not fully understood, it is believed to stem from severe trauma or abuse experienced during childhood. Therapeutic interventions such as psychotherapy, including both individual and group approaches, are typically used to help individuals with alternating personality manage their symptoms, enhance their sense of identity integration, and improve overall functioning.
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Etymology of ALTERNATING PERSONALITY
The term "alternating personality" is not commonly used in psychology or psychiatry. However, if you are referring to "alternating personalities", it may relate to a disorder known as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously referred to as Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD).
The etymology of Dissociative Identity Disorder traces back to the term "dissociation", which originated from the Latin word "dissociare" meaning "to separate, disunite". The concept of dissociation has been present in psychology for quite some time, with notable contributions from Pierre Janet in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The term "multiple personality" was introduced by French psychiatrist Pierre Janet as "personnalité multiple" in the late 19th century, although he later adopted the term "dissociative". It described cases where individuals exhibited distinct and contrasting identities or states of consciousness.
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