Dissociative identity disorder
ICD-10 F44.81 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder.
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a complex psychological condition characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or an experience of possession. These distinct identities may have their own names, ages, histories, and characteristics, and they may take control of the individual's behavior at different times. DID often arises as a coping mechanism in response to severe trauma during early childhood, typically extreme, repetitive physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Patients may experience significant memory gaps regarding everyday events, personal information, and traumatic events that are inconsistent with ordinary forgetting. Symptoms can include anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which may complicate the clinical picture. The disorder can severely impact social, occupational, and other areas of functioning, leading to distress and impairment. Treatment often involves psychotherapy aimed at integrating the separate identities and addressing the trauma that led to the disorder. Medications may be prescribed to manage associated symptoms such as anxiety and depression, but there is no specific medication for DID itself.
Detailed patient history, including trauma history, symptom description, and treatment response.
Patients presenting with multiple identities, memory gaps, and co-morbid anxiety or mood disorders.
Ensure thorough documentation of all identities and their characteristics, as well as any therapeutic interventions.
Comprehensive psychological assessments, including personality testing and trauma assessments.
Patients undergoing therapy for trauma-related symptoms and identity integration.
Document the therapeutic process and progress in integrating identities.
Used for therapy sessions focused on integrating identities.
Document the focus of therapy, including identity integration and trauma processing.
Psychiatrists and psychologists should ensure that therapy notes reflect the complexity of the disorder.
The primary treatment for Dissociative Identity Disorder is psychotherapy, which focuses on integrating the separate identities and addressing the trauma that led to the disorder. Medications may be used to manage co-occurring symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
