Dissociative identity disorder: Fantasy or reality

In recent years, there has been a marked increase in patients being referred for assessment or offered the diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder. Whilst an improved awareness of both complex PTSD and dissociative disorders may benefit some patients and their treatment outcomes, there is also a worrying trend of misdiagnosis and the related sequelae (i.e. patients being offered the wrong treatments and/or services feeling unable to meet the needs of these patients). The Trauma and Dissociation Service (TDS), led by Dr Nuri Gene-Cos, with over 20 years of experience in assessing and treating dissociative disorders, would like to offer an opportunity for clinicians to join a day conference where an overview of Dissociative Identity Disorder and the related phenomenon of ‘Imitative Dissociative Identity Disorder’ will be explored.

Over the course of the day, attendees will be offered an overview of how the TDS has developed its specialist pathway of care for dissociative patients. Dr Gabriel Ellul will review the current diagnostic criteria of trauma-related disorders, and this will be followed by Dr Sorcha Mathews presenting an overview of the increased referrals of imitative dissociative disorders, with consideration of the implications for assessment and treatment in clinical settings. Dr Gene-Cos will also offer insights into her work and treatment of Dissociative Identity Disorder within a clinical setting, and we will have the opportunity to hear from a patient with lived experience of Dissociative Identity Disorder following successful completion of treatment with the TDS. We will also be joined by Dr Simone Reinders, presenting on the neuroimaging project investigating the neural, behavioural, and cognitive correlates of D.I.D, which she oversees (https://www.neuroimaging-did.com). The conference will end with a Q&A panel session led by Dr Gene-Cos, with the aim of considering opportunities and challenges in developing more robust treatment pathways for dissociative patients and training pathways for clinicians across the NHS and further afield.