multiple personality disorder

Definition of multiple personality disorder

: 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 results from disruption in the integrated functions of consciousness, memory, and identity

— called also multiple personality, dissociative identity disorder

Examples of multiple personality disorder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Another defense attorney, Dale Rubin, cited the testimony of a defense psychologist who diagnosed Gargiulo with dissociative personality disorder, formerly known as multiple personality disorder. — Washington Post, "Defense suggests different suspect in serial killing trial," 7 Aug. 2019 Another defense attorney, Dale Rubin, cited the testimony of a defense psychologist who diagnosed Gargiulo with dissociative personality disorder, formerly known as multiple personality disorder. — Washington Post, "Defense suggests different suspect in serial killing trial," 7 Aug. 2019 Defense attorneys and a psychologist said in court that Gargiulo has dissociative personality disorder, formerly known as multiple personality disorder. — CBS News, "Jury recommends death penalty for "The Hollywood Ripper"," 18 Oct. 2019 Defense attorneys and a psychologist said in court that Gargiulo has dissociative personality disorder, formerly known as multiple personality disorder. — Andrew Dalton, chicagotribune.com, "Jury recommends death penalty for Michael Gargiulo, who was found guilty in 2 California slayings and still faces charges in 1993 Illinois stabbing death," 18 Oct. 2019 Kris Mohandie: Dissociative identity disorder used to be called multiple personality disorder. — CBS News, "The Hollywood Ripper: How "48 Hours" helped crack the case of convicted serial killer Michael Gargiulo," 14 Sep. 2019 Another defense attorney, Dale Rubin, cited the testimony of a defense psychologist who diagnosed Gargiulo with dissociative personality disorder, formerly known as multiple personality disorder. — CBS News, "Ashton Kutcher is "star witness" for accused serial killer, defense lawyer says," 8 Aug. 2019 But after his 1997 retirement from football, Walker opened up about his struggles with mental illness and multiple personality disorders. — John Schmid, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "This veteran sports psychologist has worked with the Packers and Bucks. Now he's speaking up about racism," 16 July 2019 But these different views make Petipa seem to have multiple personality disorder. — Alastair Macaulay, New York Times, "The Changing Shape of American Ballet Theater," 5 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'multiple personality disorder.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Statistics for multiple personality disorder

Cite this Entry

“Multiple personality disorder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multiple%20personality%20disorder. Accessed 27 May. 2020.

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More Definitions for multiple personality disorder

multiple personality disorder

noun

Medical Definition of multiple personality disorder

: a dissociative 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 —abbreviation MPD

— called also alternating personality, dissociative identity disorder