dissociative identity disorder

noun

: a personality disorder that is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct and complex identities or personality states each of which becomes dominant and controls behavior from time to time to the exclusion of the others and that results from disruption in the integrated functions of consciousness, memory, and identity : multiple personality disorder

Note: The term dissociative identity disorder is now preferred over multiple personality disorder especially in medical contexts.

Examples of dissociative identity disorder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The cinematic misuse of dissociative identity disorder — Arthur Fleck’s (Joaquin Phoenix) ostensible legal defense for his actions in the first film — got old decades ago after a string of thrillers like Fight Club beat the trope into the ground. —Samantha Allen, Them, 4 Oct. 2024

Scientific American June 1, 2023 18 min read Therapy for dissociative identity disorder has aimed to meld many personalities into one. —Rebecca J. Lester, Scientific American, 1 June 2023

Here, Isaac plays a man with dissociative identity disorder, giving us not one but three distinct characters: mercenary Mark Spector, British gift shop employee Steven Grant, and the mysterious—and seemingly ominous—Jake Lockley. —Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 2 July 2024

While the film has copped some rightful critiques about its damaging portrayal of dissociative identity disorder and mental illness more broadly, Taylor-Joy does a fantastic job at captivating audiences and delivering a convincing performance. —Alexandra Koster, refinery29.com, 13 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1993, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

dissociative identity disorder

noun

: a personality disorder that is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct and complex identities or personality states each of which becomes dominant and controls behavior from time to time to the exclusion of the others and that results from disruption in the integrated functions of consciousness, memory, and identity : multiple personality disorder

Note: The term dissociative identity disorder is now preferred over multiple personality disorder especially in medical contexts.