DID Question regarding difference between did and schizophrenia

[Phenioxrising]

I was interested in asking if DID (dissociative identity disorder) or also previously known as MP; If anyone can list the differences in the symptoms.

The explanations seem similar except for the meds. I have been aware of a type of "different" personality in myself, where I'm "not myself" and get flashbacks sometimes along with them.

Insomnia is sometimes a problem. Any advice would help.

 

[Abstract]

Hi Pheniox,

I am no expert nor do I have either but from what I understand the voice or personality is outside with Schizophrenia. I also believe that with DID the personality is stable and has its own experiences etc.

You might also want to look up structural dissociation theory. I think some very split feelings/experiences can be other things than DID. Almost falling into pockets of trauma and therefore feeling like the you that experienced it. There are also introjects etc.

I know that sleep can induce psychosis. I have had hallucinations but they have been visual and sensory.

 

[Phenioxrising]

I have had hallucinations but they have been visual and sensory

I have those also, not all the time but their very distracting, and seems to be getting worse. In a sense it seems like an seprate identity or entity in my mind at times. I haven't talked to my T about it, but can re-live my traumatic experiences with it. Although talking about my trauma and writeing about it dosn't seem to help. I've been aware of it since last november, and just feel like im loosing it. DID makes more sense than the schitz. though I'm not wanting to talk about it much.

I'm on remeron and seraquil for sleep but dosn't seem to help any.

 

[Abstract]

So you are aware of it when you are reliving and it is inside not outside? And you don;t feel it other times? Do you have the other symptoms of DID? Such as finding things you don't remember buying, people calling you by other names in a very sure way; missing days or weeks etc?

 

[Phenioxrising]

Another thing I wanted to mention is when the alterseems to take control over me. And was wondering if anyone else has experienced this.?

Thanks for the info Abstract

 

[Phenioxrising]

Dissociative identity disorder. This condition, formerly known as multiple personality disorder, is characterized by "switching" to alternate identities when you're under stress. In dissociative identity disorder, you may feel the presence of one or more other people talking or living inside your head. Each of these identities may have a unique name, personal history and characteristics, including obvious differences in voice, gender, mannerisms and even such physical qualities as the need for corrective eyewear. There also are differences in how familiar each identity is with the others. People with dissociative identity disorder typically also have dissociative amnesia.

Found this article, and wanted to know how others have coped with this. Honestly, it's like being posessed. and whats the worst is that "he" says it's identity is my T, and goes from abusive controling to "I love you".

 

[safenow]

Hi Phoenioxrising,

Not sure if you knew this or not, but I have had MPD/DID for most of my life. With Schizophrenia it is a chemical imbalance of the brain, whereas MPD/DID is not. It is pockets of memory from early trauma that never left. When those personalities first came about, they were needed in order for you to survive. However, once that time is past, they really are not needed any longer. Problem is, they don't know that.

With PTSD there are times when some people (not all) will tend to be a child/adult rather than just the adult. That is a totally different thing. It is not really MPD/DID or Schizophrenia. It is a part of you that is trying to grow up without knowing how.

From the way you describe it, I'd say you need to talk to your therapist about it. The abusive controlling part is not healthy for you. The other personality (if that is in fact what it is) should be trying to sooth you not destroy you. A good therapist can put things into perspective and help you eliminate it. I am "assuming" when you said, "he" you are referring to the personality not the doc. right?

If you want to discuss this further, we can go to my journal/diary and talk in more detail. After all, this is a PTSD forum, not a MPD/DID one.

safenow

 

[Phenioxrising]

If you want to discuss this further, we can go to my journal/diary and talk in more detail. After all, this is a PTSD forum, not a MPD/DID one.

Well, it is a side effect of the abuse and PTSD, but yes, I'm reffering to the personality when I say he.

Odd thing is "he" emerged before I even saw the real doc.

 

[safenow]

[DLMURL]https://www.ptsdforum.org/c/threads/how-it-all-began.30110/page-37#post-563698[/DLMURL]

It is normal for someone with DID/MPD to have the alters show up before you ever see a doc. SO don't panic. It will be all right, I promise.

And you are very correct in the fact that it is a product from the abuse just like the PTSD is. Not everyone gets DID/MPD from abuse though.

This is just for you Phoenixrising. I hope it helps. Good luck.
safenow

 

[Phenioxrising]

Thanks, It gets very frustrating when"he" says he can go away at anytime just go to mental health. Or he'll fix me

 

[safenow]

Or he'll fix me

A very important reason to see a good therapist who can help with that.

One of mine (Sylvia) used to be the kind who would try to kill us from time to time. I"m lucky in that she didn't show up very often. But now, she has learned to not do that. In fact, she has blended in with me and I can hear her voice once in a while, but it's nothing negative any longer. That part of me would rather have died than face another day of torment. I used to check myself into a mental hospital rather than allow her to hurt us.

It took me learning who I really am, and how to be happy in spite of what goes on around me or too me for all my alters to come together. But that is a personal choice we all must make,

Take good care of yourself, please. You are a nice person. Yup, I am including "him" as well, since "he" is part of you. He just needs to learn some things. And that will happen in time.

safenow

 

[Phenioxrising]

I used to check myself into a mental hospital

Yes, I've been there, when he "forced me to say that I think I'm pregnant"....and the most awkward part is when I say I'm "dating" him.

I went on some forums but haven't received any answers. It took months to compromise on not swearing in front of my father. When I was first aware of it,I had around 6 personalities (most from group). Now it's just one...after talking to them.

I've went from high functioning to isolating myself. it took from last Oct. till yesterday to get to compromise on the music I listen to. ..Just feeling down in the dumps because of stigmas...ya were all different but how Sane am I now.

My brother who doesn't have PTSD, or more correctly C-PTSD. (My alter has become OCD recently, and ordering me to clean the house, when it's clean, ( One of the reasons for the abuse/neglect from mother, who was poss. Phycotic/ nothing ever "right" or good enough) but was abused also by our mother doesn't trust me anymore...We've never really known each other, he's in construction and I'm a Veterinary Tech. (so the Med. knowledge helps). My father is the only one so far that will listen. As far as trying to relate/understand, my vocabulary is higher than quite a bit of my family, I'm the only one that went into the medical profession. though it's depressing, I've been out of work going on four years at 31 yrs. of age). I enjoy helping others as much as I can, but have had to deal with the somatic pain from chronic pancreatitis for those four years. I can understand it's a coping mechanism for your mind, but not well on the heart. And to top it all off my alter had me e-mail my doc. saying that this disorder was Transference and counter-transference and to leave "me alone", not to mention the "love letter" to him ie; real doc.

No one in my family has any mental disorder except for depression. And this just makes me feel more "outcast" as when my mother was still alive. the bad moments are when I re-live when I was being beaten with a high heeled shoe over my skull, till my head burned from the beating. Of course...no doc appt after ..It's nice though that some docs call me amazing though a bit annoying.