Dissociative Identity Disorder: Identity Switch Triggers

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a mental health condition that was formerly known as multiple personality disorder or split personality disorder. This condition causes a person to have multiple distinct identities. It typically develops from significant childhood abuse, traumatic events, or overwhelming experiences.

This article discusses triggers that can cause "switching" between identities, or alters, in people with DID.

What Is Switching?

People with dissociative identity disorder have at least two distinctly different identities, but some believe as many as 100 can emerge. Switching is the process of shifting from one identity state to another. This can occur slowly, with obvious signs, or very fast.

According to some research, switches can be consensual, forced or triggered. A consensual switch might be planned ahead of time. For example, an alter who is educated might plan to take over during a scheduled exam at school.

Forced switches are agreed upon by some of the alters, but not all of them. A stronger alter might be pushing out in front of a weaker alter in a particular situation.

Triggered switches are not intentional. Rather, they occur when a situation forces a particular alter to come forward. There are a variety of triggers that can lead to switching.

Causes of Triggered Switching

Triggered switches can be caused by many different things. In some cases, the trigger is not known.

Stress

Stress is a big trigger for switching. In fact, periods of heavy stress can lead to rapid cycling between alters, causing the person to display multiple identities within as little as a few minutes. This type of switching has been referred to by some as carousel-switching or rolledexing.

Memories and Strong Emotions

Memories can cause a person with dissociative identity disorder to switch from one alter to another. These memories can be either good or bad. An alter switch might occur while a person is looking at old pictures or other memorabilia.

Sudden changes in a person's emotions, whether positive or negative, can also trigger an alter switch.

Senses

Switches can be triggered by a person's senses. Smell, sound, taste, textures, and sights can all cause a particular alter to present itself. For example, a person who has a history of abuse might smell or see something that brings up past experiences.

The result is alter switching—whether the alter appears as a frightened child, or an aggressive, dominant alter who is going to stand up for the abused child.

Other Causes of Switching

Drinking alcohol and using drugs can be a trigger for switching. Changing of the seasons or special events such as holidays or birthdays can also be a trigger.

Switching can be triggered by a particular situation that requires specific skills, such as public speaking. It can also occur when a person encounters another person who has a relationship with a particular alter.

When to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

If you suspect that you or someone you know has dissociative identity disorder or is experiencing alter switching, talk to a healthcare provider, such as a mental health professional. DID is a serious condition that can significantly impact a person's daily life, but treatments are available.

Summary

There are a variety of triggers that can cause switching between alters, or identities, in people with dissociative identity disorder. These can include stress, memories, strong emotions, senses, alcohol and substance use, special events, or specific situations. In some cases, the triggers are not known.

A Word From Verywell

Dissociative identity disorder is a condition that impacts every area of life. It can even keep a person from being able to work, go to school, or develop meaningful relationships with other people. This condition is typically treated with psychotherapy (talk therapy), and consistent participation in treatment can be very helpful.

Medications can also help treat anxiety and depression that often occur with DID. Talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options.