multiple personality disorder

noun

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 Actress Annalynne McCord is speaking out about being diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder, a mental health condition that was formerly known as multiple personality disorder. — Korin Miller, Health.com, "Actress Annalynne McCord Opens Up About Dissociative Identity Disorder—What Is That?," 20 Apr. 2021 Formerly known as multiple personality disorder, DID is a controversial subject. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Documentary focuses on San Diego therapist, patients with multiple personalities," 15 Mar. 2021 The clinical psychiatrist has interviewed more than 20 serial killers, including Arthur Shawcross and Ted Bundy, and believes many serial killers have dissociative identity disorder (previously known as multiple personality disorder). — Ashley Chervinski, refinery29.com, "Can We Ever Really Know Why Ted Bundy Killed? Well, Dr. Dorothy Lewis Just Might," 18 Nov. 2020 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," 30 May 2020 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

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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Last Updated

3 May 2021

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“Multiple personality disorder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multiple%20personality%20disorder. Accessed 18 May. 2021.

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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

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