American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam

Which disorder is characterized by the presence of distinct identities that take control of a person's behavior?

1. Dissociative identity disorder

2. Schizophrenia

3. Obsessive-compulsive disorder

4. Generalized anxiety disorder

The correct answer is: Dissociative identity disorder

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states, each with its own relatively enduring pattern of perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the environment and self. These identities may have their own names, ages, histories, and characteristics, and they can take control of the individual's behavior at different times. Individuals with dissociative identity disorder often experience gaps in memory related to everyday events, personal information, and trauma, which is a key aspect of their condition. The condition is usually a result of extreme stress or trauma, often occurring in childhood. The presence of these distinct identities can lead to significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. In contrast, disorders like schizophrenia involve disturbances in thought processes, perceptions, and emotional responsiveness, but do not feature the same mechanism of distinct identities. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, and generalized anxiety disorder involves persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life. These other conditions lack the defining feature of dissociative identity disorder, which is the clear segmentation of identity and consciousness.