Table of Contents

Chapter One Dissociation: An Overview
Terminology
Diagnostic Criteria
History of Dissociation and DID
Current Thinking
Understanding the Parts of the Self
The Brain and Dissociation
The Effects of Trauma
Chapter Two Creative Coping or Dysfunction? You Be the Judge
Development of DID
Mental Disorders and Adaptive Functioning
Adaptive Functioning
Brain Maturation and Emotional Management
Developmental Issues
Developmental Stages of Childhood
Developmental Deficits
Examples of Adaptive Functioning
Adaptive Versus Maladaptive Functions of DID
Summary
Chapter Three Diagnosing the Disorder
Indicators of Dissociation
DID Versus Schizophrenia
Ego States and Diagnosis
Borderline Personality Disorder Versus DID
Early Diagnostic Benchmarks
BASK Model
Dissociative Experience Scale (DES)
Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ-20)
Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment
Summary
Chapter Four Treatment Philosophies and Approaches
Insurance Versus Fee for Service
Choosing a Therapist
Contacting Therapists
Treatment Approaches
Theoretical Perspectives in Treating DID
Other Perspectives
Summary
Chapter Five Stages of Therapy and What to Expect
Stabilization
Issues Related to Self
Trauma Work
Integration Work
Postintegration Therapy
Chapter Six When Seeing a Therapist Is Not Enough
Therapist Fit
Internal Conflicts
Defenses
Conflicts with the Therapist
Fear
Stress
Transitions
Interventions
Trauma Symptoms
Adjunctive Therapies
Summary
Chapter Seven How Medication Might Help
Medication
Depression
Anxiety
Alternative Treatments
Summary
FAQs About Medication and DID
Chapter Eight Learning to Trust Again: The Group Therapy Process
Support Groups
Psychoeducational Groups
Therapy Groups
The Group Process
The Therapist/Facilitator Role
Boundaries
Treatment Techniques
Thought Questions
Chapter Nine Self-Help and Coping Strategies
Dissociation and Switching
Internal Communication Techniques
Basic Safety Plan
Accepting Internal Parts
Organizing Information for Family and Friends
Imagery for Managing Feelings
A Healthy Lifestyle as a Strategy for Coping
Summary
Chapter Ten Survival Tips for Significant Others (and Therapists Too)
Basic Communication
Boundary Issues
Self-Care
Epilogue
Appendix A: Treatment Programs
Appendix B: Resources
Notes
Bibliography
Index

About the Author

Deborah Bray Haddock, M.Ed., M.A., L.P., is a psychologist specializing in trauma-related disorders, post-traumatic stress, eating disorders, and dissociation.