Etiology
Study or Science of causes of disease
The Etiology for Dissociative Identity Disorder also known as Multiple Personality Disorder, is most often reported from physical or sexual abuse during childhood. Some people may have repetitive relationships involving physical and sexual abuse. It is diagnosed 3-9 times more in adult females than in adult males. Females tend to have more identities, 15 or more than males who have about 8 identities.
Dissociative Identity Disorder is reported in high rates in the United States making it appear to be a culture specific syndrome. The disorder tends to be chronic and recurrent. It can take 6-7 years from first symptom to diagnosis. This disorder can less manifest after time but can reemerge from stress, trauma, or substance abuse.
Dissociative Identity Disorder is more common among first-degree biological relatives of persons with disorder than in the general population.