Misdiagnosis in Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Personal Journey

The process of receiving a correct diagnosis for Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) can be fraught with challenges and misdiagnoses. My personal journey underscores the difficulties many experience in obtaining an accurate diagnosis, often leading to prolonged and inappropriate treatment. From juvenile years to early adulthood, the path to a precise diagnosis was complex and filled with significant hurdles.

Early Misdiagnoses

My journey began at a young age, when symptoms emerged that my mother, a source of support and not an abuser, recognized needed attention. At age 11, I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), which now we understand as anxiety stemming from abuse and trauma. Sadly, this diagnosis was later deemed invalid as the root cause was trauma, not generalized anxiety.

By the time I was 15, I was diagnosed with depression, a diagnosis I can now recognize as likely due to the trauma I was experiencing. However, at the time, it provided a semblance of understanding. It wasn't until later that the true nature of my auditory hallucinations, which many now describe as alterations or inner voices, was highlighted.

Instability and Hospitalizations

The period between ages 15 and 17 was marked by suicidal thoughts and hospitalizations. It was during this time that doctors began to recognize symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), though I was too young to remember the trauma that triggered it. Doctors were initially focused on mood instability, which was diagnosed as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Yet, it was later clarified that my experiences were indicative of Complex PTSD and, as a result, Emotional Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS), a diagnosis that is now in remission.

DBT and Discrepancies

From age 16 to 21, I was in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for BPD. My therapist acknowledged my dissociative episodes but considered them part of the BPD. The inability to recall vast swathes of time was met with advice not to worry, which left me feeling incompetent and helpless. At the age of 21, I discontinued DBT because the therapist believed he could no longer assist me due to my lack of improvement.

Self-Discovery and Correct Diagnosis

Turn 22 marked an increase in memory gaps, with significant years unrecalled. Journaling aided in my journey, revealing memories and dissociation triggers. A traumatic event led to a flood of forgotten memories resurfacing. After a six-month search, I found a therapist qualified to evaluate me properly. I was diagnosed with DID, OCD, and Schizotypal Personality Disorder (SPD), a combination that more accurately reflected my experiences.

Conclusion and Hope

The road to accurate diagnosis was filled with setbacks and misdiagnoses. From anxiety and depression to BPD and PTSD, the compounded effect of misdiagnoses hindered my progress and well-being. It wasn't until these recent evaluations that I received the treatment that had eluded me for over a decade. My hope for the future lies in the possibility of more straightforward methods for recognizing DID, so no one else would have to endure the same challenges. However, I understand that delayed diagnosis can sometimes offer temporary coping mechanisms in dangerous environments, as it did for me.

My story is a testament to the complexity of diagnosing DID and the importance of thorough and empathetic evaluations. While I advocate for improved methods, I am grateful that I have found the appropriate support now and can look forward to continued recovery.