Multiple vs Mental disorder

I honestly don't mean to be rude to anyone about this, I'm just curious. I'm not a multiple myself, so I just don't know.

Is being a multiple different from being a person with multiple personality disorder, or other psychological "disorders" where multiple personalities/persons can be considered a sign? Or is that all just a matter of perspective?

As far as I know, there really isn't a major difference in the signs. However, I think I should point out that in order for something to be classified a "disorder", it has to, in some way, interfere with the lives of either the person in question or others around him or her. Kraela and Yriela have never been a interference with my well-being or anyone elses, and there have been times that I've been glad that they are with me, mental constructs or not.

WhiteFox Wrote:I honestly don't mean to be rude to anyone about this, I'm just curious. I'm not a multiple myself, so I just don't know.

Is being a multiple different from being a person with multiple personality disorder, or other psychological "disorders" where multiple personalities/persons can be considered a sign? Or is that all just a matter of perspective?

Our answer would be that the psychological 'disorders' are a form of multiplicity but that there are other forms where the psychological models do not apply. Yes, our introduction to multiplicity was on the psychological side of things, but somewhere along the line (and we forget how and when) it became clear to us that not all multiples are trauma based. Some of that may be from having read "Multiple Man : Explorations in Possession and Multiple Personality" by Adam Crabtree.

That is not the only answer out there. There are some multiples who will tell you that the psychological models explain all forms of multiplicity. It would not surprise us to learn that there may be others that believe that the psychological side is completely false and no multiple is truely trauma based. We just haven't run into them.

Face

WhiteFox Wrote:Is being a multiple different from being a person with multiple personality disorder, or other psychological "disorders" where multiple personalities/persons can be considered a sign? Or is that all just a matter of perspective?

The key word is "disorder". If you're disordered - say you have blackouts and can't cope with running your life - then yes, it is a mental disorder (sounds obvious).

On the other hand there can be a hundred of you in one head and the BDSM-IV says it's not a disorder so long as you can live your life fine.

"Disorder" is the key word, and it's right there in your question.

Archer Wrote:The key word is "disorder". If you're disordered - say you have blackouts and can't cope with running your life - then yes, it is a mental disorder (sounds obvious).

On the other hand there can be a hundred of you in one head and the BDSM-IV says it's not a disorder so long as you can live your life fine.

"Disorder" is the key word, and it's right there in your question.

Quoted for truth.



~ Lishie

momo Wrote:

Archer Wrote:The key word is "disorder". If you're disordered - say you have blackouts and can't cope with running your life - then yes, it is a mental disorder (sounds obvious).

On the other hand there can be a hundred of you in one head and the BDSM-IV says it's not a disorder so long as you can live your life fine.

"Disorder" is the key word, and it's right there in your question.

Quoted for truth.

~ Lishie

That probably goes for the rest of us too.

Archer pretty much hit it straight on.

I can also see a "multiple system" potentially turning sour and becoming a "mental disorder" if it begins to interfere with your well-being. So, in the end, the only difference is the effect it has on you (though I wish I was told this in the beginning... would have saved me from a lot of paranoia -_-)

The issue of whether or not multiplicity is a mental disorder is also a completely separate issue from whether or not it is "real" (however you define that) as opposed to a psychological coping mechanism.

Sometimes I think people confuse that.

Motley Wrote:

momo Wrote:

Archer Wrote:The key word is "disorder". If you're disordered - say you have blackouts and can't cope with running your life - then yes, it is a mental disorder (sounds obvious).

On the other hand there can be a hundred of you in one head and the BDSM-IV says it's not a disorder so long as you can live your life fine.

"Disorder" is the key word, and it's right there in your question.

Quoted for truth.

~ Lishie

That probably goes for the rest of us too.

Yes. One of the critical points in a psychological diagnosis is whether the condition causes impairment. If it doesn't, you can be convinced you're the Queen of England posing undercover as a Starbucks barrista to escape ninja assassins...and you're still not officially disordered.

-Shainin

Archer Wrote:The issue of whether or not multiplicity is a mental disorder is also a completely separate issue from whether or not it is "real" (however you define that) as opposed to a psychological coping mechanism.

Sometimes I think people confuse that.

Well, I would consider even a coping mechanism to be real, since it does exist somewhere (in your head). If it didn't exist anywhere, then it wouldn't be real.

Quote:If it doesn't, you can be convinced you're the Queen of England posing undercover as a Starbucks barrista to escape ninja assassins...and you're still not officially disordered.

Thanks for that image, now I can't walk into a Starbucks without thinking that <!-- s:lol: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_lol.gif" alt=":lol:" title="Laughing" /><!-- s:lol: -->