What are the effects dissociative identity disorder have on brain?

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) previously called multiple personality disorder, is a mental disorder characterised by the presence of two or more distinct personality states, or "alters". These alters are often very different from each other in terms of their thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and even their physical appearance.

DID is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. It is most commonly diagnosed in women, and it is thought to affect about 1% of the population.

The exact effects of DID on the brain are not fully understood, but some studies have found that people with DID have differences in the structure and function of their brains compared to people without the disorder.

For example, one study found that people with DID had smaller hippocampi, which is a brain region involved in memory and emotion. Another study found that people with DID had more activity in the amygdala, which is a brain region involved in fear and anxiety.

These studies suggest that DID may be associated with changes in the way the brain processes information, which could lead to the symptoms of the disorder.

However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of DID on the brain.

Here are some specific ways that DID can affect the brain:

* Alters may have different brain activity patterns. Studies have shown that when alters are present, there are changes in brain activity in areas such as the prefrontal cortex, the temporal lobes, and the limbic system. These changes may be related to the different thoughts, feelings, and behaviours of the alters.

* Alters may have different memories. People with DID often have difficulty remembering events from their past, especially events that occurred during childhood. This may be due to the fact that different alters may have different access to memories.

* Alters may have different physical symptoms. Some people with DID experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue. These symptoms may be related to the stress of living with DID or to the different emotional states of the alters.

DID can have a significant impact on a person's life. It can make it difficult to hold down a job, maintain relationships, and function in everyday life. However, with treatment, people with DID can learn to manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives.