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

When that man ends up dead, Ken, who suffers from dissociative identity disorder, must work with her alters to get to the truth while racing against time. —Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 20 Dec. 2023

In this two-part TV movie, Sally Field plays Sybil Dorsett, a teacher diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder. —Andrew Walsh, EW.com, 14 Nov. 2023

It was renamed dissociative identity disorder in 1994. —Laura Newberry, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2023

Field shattered any doubts of her dramatic capabilities in her performance as a young girl suffering from what was then called multiple personality syndrome (now known as dissociative identity disorder). —Zoey Lyttle, Peoplemag, 24 Feb. 2023

It is based on Billy Milligan, who was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder. —Marianne Garvey, CNN, 11 May 2023

The series is based loosely on The Minds of Billy Milligan by Danny Keyes, which follows the real-life story of Milligan, who, after a series of violent crimes, became the first person in the U.S. acquitted due to his dissociative identity disorder. —Milan Polk, Men's Health, 9 June 2023

The show is based on the real crimes of Billy Milligan, who was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder. —Zack Sharf, Variety, 7 June 2023

The drama sees Holland play a character inspired by a real person, Billy Milligan, who was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder. —Brendan Morrow, The Week, 7 June 2023

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.