DID question

[Stdy2BaNurse]

I am a pre-nursing student awaiting 'the letter' for fall admission. In the meantime, I have to take classes this spring to prevent repaying my student loans. I have enjoyed the Psych classes I have had to take thus far, so I jumped right in to Abnormal Psych. 5 weeks into the semester and we are just now getting to disorders - one we covered today is DID. In addition, we must do a written and oral book report on a psych related book. I was given "When Rabbit Howls", by The Troops for Truddi Chase. After listening to our lecture today about DID and hearing my prof's opinions, I am having a hard time getting into my book with an open mind.

I thought some of you here might be able to give me your opinions - for or against the dx of DID.

Thx!

Traci

[mebeafrn]

my little bit of info to add from experience with DID pt. The "strawbarry gal" presented with a bland facies,no makeup and very quiet demeanor. During the course of a conversation,usually after a pause in speech and looking down or away she would "switch". One very scarey switch occured in a therapy session-the therapist and myself present d/t rapid switching and concerns expressed from other alters in the system-a very angry aggressive male alter,a protector in the system came out and was very upset about not knowing where he was,who we were and who was taking care of "our"(the pt.s) children.

The lengths a human being can and will go to in order to endure the unspeakable never ceases to amaze me. To me the most amazing thing is this protection of the self starts,as it must for the person to survive even if fragmented, at such an early age and on an unconcious level,amazing.