Poly fragmented dissociative identity disorder is a complex sect of dissociative identity disorder (DID) in which a person has more than one identity. Previously known as multiple personality disorder, poly fragmented DID is widely misunderstood. It is characterized by an individual having “alters” or alternative identities that they may switch between. With poly fragmented DID specifically, an individual may have names for some of their alters, but not all of them.
Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder
Poly fragmented DID is caused by severe trauma. This may be at the hands of a parent, guardian, family member, or friend. However, it may also be trauma inflicted by a stranger. Trauma causes an individual to have many different alters. Most often, trauma causing DID stems from childhood. The alters are how the brain copes or processes the trauma that occurred.
Each alter has different characteristics, and can function independently of other alters. When combined, all of the different alters make up an individual’s personality. Typically, alters are developed in childhood, but in rare cases they may develop in adulthood. People may refer to their alters as parts of themselves or as independent individuals that are not related. Different alters may have different names, voices, ages, genders, opinions, and ways of experiencing and interpreting the world around them.
It’s important to note that with poly fragmented DID, some alters may remember things that others do not, or remember things differently. For example, one alter may remember the trauma inflicted, whereas another will not. In extreme cases, different alters can have different physical needs and characteristics. This may include different vision, medication responses, allergies, heart rate, muscle tension, immune function, and more.
In some states, one may believe their body does not belong to them. This is becomes dangerous in the event of self-harming or suicidal thoughts because they may not believe the actions they take will affect themselves. Sometimes self-harming behaviors occur in an effort to “kill off” other alters. If you recognize signs of self harm or suicidal thoughts in an individual, call 988 to reach the national suicide hotline.
Types of Poly Fragmented DID Alters
Poly fragmented DID includes many different types of alters. To diagnose DID, clinicians may find multiple alters of the same type or various different forms in an individual. No single type of alter must be present for a diagnosis. Typically, clinicians must identify at least two alters to diagnose DID.
This can be the “host” and one other alter, or the host and multiple different alters. Poly fragmented DID in particular is characterized as having many different alters – getting up to 100 or more in rare cases. Common alters include:
- Apparently Normal Parts (ANP)/Host
- Child alter
- Internal Self Helper (ISH)
- Introject
- Opposite-sex alter
- Persecutor
- Protector
- Sexual
- Suicidal/internal homicide
- Teen alter
These are some of the more common types of alters experienced with DID. However, they are not all possible types. Some less common alters are:
- Animal
- Baby/infant
- Caretaker
- Demon or “evil” alter
- Fragment
- Military or political
- Nonhuman
- Robot or machine
- Shell
- Spirit, ghost, or supernatural being
The less common alters can be more extreme at times, and recognizing them as a symptom of poly fragmented DID may be harder. This list does not include every alter, and even more alters may exist that are less widely known. These categories are just the main ones that people often see.
Alters develop depending on what an individual needs to cope with their trauma during and after experiencing it.
Treatment for Poly Fragmented DID
Poly fragmented DID is a lifetime condition that requires consistent treatment and therapies to manage. Treatment methods for poly fragmented DID include:
- Medication management
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Individual, group, or family therapy
Each person’s condition is different, requiring a unique treatment plan. As an individual shifts between alters, they may need a rapidly adaptable treatment plan. What works one day may need to be changed on another. It’s important to work with medical and psychiatric professionals that are experienced with the complex condition that is poly fragmented DID.
At Alter Behavioral Health, we offer all levels of care for a variety of mental health conditions to ensure our clients get the best care possible. Our programs can be adapted to different levels of care, including crisis stabilization & intervention, residential mental health treatment, partial hospitalization programs, and intensive outpatient treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing poly fragmented DID or extreme trauma, give the Alter team a call. We’re ready to lead the way towards a stable, healthy lifestyle.
About Alter
Alter is a behavioral healthcare provider that specializes in evidence-based clinical treatment approaches. We provide a wide range of programs for adults and families experiencing mental health conditions including schizophrenia, depression, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, substance abuse, and more. This is done through client-centered care for a full-continuum of treatment. We serve the entire U.S. population from our revolutionary locations throughout sunny Southern California. Whether an individual needs 24/7 care or wants an outpatient program – we are there to guide every step of the journey. For more information, give us a call at (877) 613-9776 or visit our website at alterbehavioralhealth.com.
