What Is The Difference Between Schizophrenia Vs. Multiple Personality Disorder?

Schizophrenia and multiple personality disorder (which is now referred to as dissociative identity disorder) may be two frequently discussed mental illnesses, but they are often surrounded by misconceptions. Despite frequent references to these mental health conditions in the media, many people do not understand their symptoms and severity. In the case of what many refer to as “multiple personality disorder,” some may even commonly use the incorrect terminology to refer to this mental illness.

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) can be seen as a dissociative disorder, whereas schizophrenia can be classified as a psychotic disorder. Schizophrenia is usually characterized by symptoms like hallucinations and delusions, while DID typically involves the presence of multiple identities within a single person. Both mental health disorders can often be treated with medication and therapy.

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What is multiple personality disorder?

While the term “multiple personality disorder” may still be prevalent in the common vernacular, the official name for this condition is dissociative identity disorder (DID). While the condition is recognized by medical professionals and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), much contention and controversy can continue to surround the diagnosis.

Dissociative identity disorder is generally thought to be a trauma response in which the person experiencing DID develops multiple personalities as a way to escape or avoid traumatic moments that had an impact on one’s life. 

One way in which the name “multiple personality disorder” can be misapplied may be due to the misconception that DID describes a person experiencing extreme fluctuations in mood, as can be the case with bipolar disorder, which is typically characterized by alternating periods of mania and depression. 

Dissociative identity disorder tends to differ from bipolar disorder because those experiencing DID usually have entirely separate identities, such as different people with distinct names, characteristics, and backgrounds. DID is normally recognized as a dissociative disorder under the umbrella of trauma spectrum disorders. DID can co-occur with other conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and other dissociative disorders. 

Schizophrenia vs. dissociative identity disorder (DID)

Potentially due to stigma and a societal history lacking focus on mental health, there may be many misconceptions regarding schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder. Understanding the similarities and differences between these disorders can help you to receive proper professional treatment. 

Schizophrenia can be seen as a primarily genetic condition (although environmental factors can also play a role in the condition’s development) with a host of symptoms that typically fall into three categories: positive or “psychotic” symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive symptoms.

Psychotic symptoms generally include those that indicate a break from reality. They often manifest in the form of hallucinations, such as hearing voices that are not present or seeing things that are not there. Those with schizophrenia may also experience delusions or untrue beliefs, such as mistakenly believing that others are trying to harm them. They might also experience scattered or disorganized thought patterns that can be reflected in their speech, potentially making it difficult for others to understand them. 

Negative symptoms are usually defined as “typical” elements of a person’s daily function that are removed due to schizophrenia. They can include social avoidance, lack of motivation, loss of enjoyment, and others. These negative symptoms can be similar to symptoms of depression and other mental health disorders.

Finally some of schizophrenia’s cognitive symptoms can include difficulties processing information and focusing, along with other challenges associated with executive function. 

Those experiencing DID typically have multiple personalities known as “alters.” While this detachment from reality can be mistakenly associated with schizophrenia, DID is distinct from delusions in schizophrenia because those with DID normally develop alters as a way to cope during the experience of childhood trauma. 

Some overlapping aspects of schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder can include an increased risk of self-harm and suicide. Those with either disorder tend to have a heightened risk of substance misuse as well.

How treatment and therapy can help

If you have been diagnosed or suspect you might be experiencing either schizophrenia or dissociative identity disorder, you can seek professional help to effectively manage your symptoms. Proper treatment can ensure that individuals diagnosed with these conditions can live healthy and productive lives and form fulfilling relationships with others. 

In the case of schizophrenia, research shows that a combination of medication, such as antipsychotics, alongside methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can provide a comprehensive way to manage symptoms. These methods can help those living with schizophrenia better cope with the challenges that can accompany the disorder, potentially improving their cognitive and social skills as well. Please note that medication must be prescribed by a psychiatrist or doctor, and you can work closely with a medical professional to monitor and address any side effects.

Are your symptoms indicative of DID or schizophrenia?

Get insight from a licensed therapist

While no specific medication may treat dissociative identity disorder, seeking support from a licensed professional can still help. A licensed professional may target specific symptoms of DID with certain medications, like antidepressants, in some cases. Much like with treating schizophrenia, an approach involving a combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy can help those experiencing DID effectively manage their symptoms. CBT can help those with DID talk through their traumatic triggers and develop better ways to cope. 

Another potential avenue to explore that can provide affordability and flexibility for those with either schizophrenia or dissociative identity disorder is online therapy. Online therapy platforms can connect individuals to therapists who have experience helping others with similar challenges, and it’s possible to switch therapists as needed until you find the right fit.

While online therapy may not directly address some of the major symptoms of schizophrenia and DID, research has shown that online CBT can be highly effective at treating common co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety and depression. Please note that individuals experiencing acute psychotic symptoms may need in-person care.