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

Another medical name that's been changed is dissociative identity disorder – a condition that affects only about 1.5% of people and was formerly called multiple personality disorder, or split personality disorder. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 4 Dec. 2024

In each, the real culprit causing the leading lady to turn into Manjulika, the unhinged spirit of a royal dancer, was eventually identified as dissociative identity disorder. —Anupama Chopra, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024

Split follows a man with dissociative identity disorder. —Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 14 Sep. 2024

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

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.