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The Diagnosis of Multiple Personality Disorder

A Critical Review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Thomas A. Fahy
Thomas A. Fahy*
Affiliation:
Bethlem Royal and Maudsley Hospital; Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF
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Abstract

Recently, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of case reports of multiple personality disorder (MPD). The phenomenology of the disorder is described and theories on aetiology are discussed. A review of the recent literature reveals a poverty of information on reliability of diagnosis, prevalence, or the role of selection bias. It is argued that iatrogenic factors may contribute to the development of the syndrome. There is little evidence from genetic or physiological studies to suggest that MPD represents a distinct psychiatric disorder. It is assumed that MPD is an hysterical symptom, and an attempt is made to catalogue the predisposing factors and influences that may lead to the clinical presentation.

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Type
Review Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 153 , Issue 5 , November 1988 , pp. 597 - 606
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1988 

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