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The Movies Get "Split Personalities" All Wrong

Amy Elyse
/
Creative Commons

The movie "Split," by director M. Night Shyamalan, is the latest in a long line of movies that portray people with "split personalities" as either violent psychopaths or comic foils. They portray dramatic changes in identity that don't reflect the subtle transitions that usually take between six and twelve years to properly diagnose.

These wildly inaccurate depictions of Dissociative Identity Disorder, the proper name for "multiple personalities," can re-traumatize people suffering from a disorder that is almost always brought on by childhood abuse or trauma. 

Today, we talk to someone with DID and a practitioner who specializes in this complicated disorder. You might be surprised at what they tell you. At the very least, you'll never watch a movie about "split personalities" with the same set of eyes. 

For those who want to learn more about DID or are concerned they may have it,  the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation and Teach Trauma can help you. 

You can also connect with Lee Waters on her Facebookpage. 

GUESTS:

  • “Lee Waters” - Healthcare worker for 25 years, parent, and aspiring writer working on an autobiography about DID, Real: Trauma, Truth, and Triumph. Lee Waters is her pseudonym.
  • Bethany Brand - Professor of Psychology at Towson University and a practicing clinical psychologist specializing in trauma and dissociative disorders

You can join the conversation onFacebookand Twitter. 

Colin McEnroe and Chion Wolf contributed to this show. 

Betsy started as an intern at WNPR in 2011 after earning a Master's Degree in American and Museum Studies from Trinity College. She served as the Senior Producer for 'The Colin McEnroe Show' for several years before stepping down in 2021 and returning to her previous career as a registered nurse. She still produces shows with Colin and the team when her schedule allows.

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