Sexual Abuse and Dissociative Identity Disorder?

I understand exactly how you feel. I too was sexually abused as a child from relatives and the many men that my mother went through when I was a child.I had to seek professional medical help as a adult due to the fact that I could not understand why I was always depressed,angry and even chemically off balanced.

I was diagnosed with severe PTSD.Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Do not wait too long before this gets out of hand with you because the longer you put it off, the harder it is going to be to become healthy and happy with yourself and who you are.

I spent three years on different medications, therapy programs and psychiatrists to get better.

there were things that were pushed away deep inside my mind that I did'nt know about.These memories will always haunt you until you address them.

I really feel for you because I too have been through this and trust me when I say this to you, you are not alone!

If you ever need someone to talk to, you can always contact me.I'm 37 years old and I know how hard and painful this process is but you have to start somewhere and the process is not as time consuming as you first think it might be.

I believe that there is a connection between the two. I know I have read somewhere that a large percentage of those diagnosed with DID had suffered severe abuse as children, most often sexual in nature but I couldn't tell you how accurate that is. I don't know if any studies have been done to look into this but it wouldn't surprise me to find out that abused children are more at risk for developing this than others. It is still quite a controversial diagnosis though as far as I am aware and I don't think enough research has been done to determine whether there is a chemical component or not.

Sorry I can't be mroe help.

Yes, there is a correlation between childhood abuse and DID. An its hard to find a therapist that is experienced in treating DID. Childhood abuse leads to a variety of symptoms, problems, challenges and maladaptive behaviors and feelings as you grow. You did not mention to what degree you have DID. One thing for sure, you have a dysphoric disorder or depression along with the abuse issues and that can be easily treated with antidepressant. Abuse issues cover up your true self in layers, like an onion. And counseling for these issues will take a long time but does not have to be constant. As you peel back layers and deal with them, you also need to take breaks from the hard work and allow yourself to play. Find a good therapist who understands abuse issues and who you trust to work with you. Good Luck - there is light at the end of the tunnel and its not a train.

Usually Dissociative Identity Disorder does come from a history of sexual abuse. Your mind creates alter personalities as a defense mechanism because of your abuse. Kudos to you for trying to get help to get it under control. You definitly need to find a good Therapist, and you may have to take medication. But I don't think it's chemical.

Most people with DID have had a history of sexual/physical abuse or other traumatic events early in childhood. It's pretty much a predisposing factory to the disorder which may not actually be so much a "disorder" but rather more of a coping mechanism.

Your best bet is to seek the help of someone who specializes in these issues. It does not seem far fetched that the two issues should go hand in hand. I would think that you really need to attempt to work out the abuse issues... for your sanity. I get the impression that you haven't worked through them completely and whole heartedly and are "protecting" yourself psychologically with this new disorder. Subconsciously you are preventing harm or abuse because you are frightened. What happened to you does not define who you are... you need to find how those horrible things have made you stronger and wiser. It happened to you... it is not who you are.... remember that. No one can ever do those things to you again simply because you are wiser now and stronger. Dig down really deep... you have it in you to be free from the abuse that happened to you .... you are not abused any more.... you can do this.

Sexual abuse can cause PTSD. PTSD at more intense levels can lead to DID. I'm not sure, but I don't think it's a chemical issue. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps with PTSD. Find a psychologist, not a psychiatrist.

Yes, extreme childhood abuse / neglect can and does contribute, and / or cause Dissociative Identity disorder. It definately is`nt a "chemical issue", though some Psychiatric drugs can be used to alleviate some of the symptoms. Here are a couple of sites that might be able to help you. www.issd.org and www.geocities/mycauses/did.htm I hope you find them helpful, please take care of yourself, I hope this helps...(?)

I really don't know much about this issue, but the daytime Soap Opera, One Life to Live, has dealt with this issue in both a mother and daughter. You should propable see a really good physcologist to help you with this. Good luck to you, and all the best.

i don't know what all the studies say but i do know a few people with DID and all of them were sexually abused as children