MULTIPLE PERSONALITY - A PSYCHIATRIC MISADVENTURE

Though multiple personality disorder has been diagnosed with increasin g frequency over the past decade, its validity has been called into qu estion. A brief review of the literature indicates a likelihood of soc io-cultural influences and iatrogenicity in many if not most cases. Sy mptoms of multiple personality disorder parallel other psychiatric syn dromes but are usually given diagnostic priority. The author has descr ibed five cases diagnosed multiple personality disorder by another hea lth professional in which iatrogenic influences are clearly evident. A ll renounced both the diagnosis and the alleged sex abuse etiology. Th e patients possess insight into the role their attachment and dependen cy of their former therapist played in the development of their appare nt multiple personality disorder.