Remember the main character from Fight Club? What about Batman's villain Harvey Dent, who developed the criminal personality known as Two-Face after acid was thrown in his face during a trial, or Call Of Duty: Black Ops' Alex Mason, who seemed to become two people several after being brainwashed in a Russian prison camp. Perhaps your favorite childhood character was Launch from the anime and manga Dragon Ball, who transformed from a sweet, caring person to an angry criminal and back again every time he sneezed. These media figures all had the same disorder called dissociative identity disorder. Many believe that dissociative identity disorder was a made up diagnosis as it is often shown in movies and other media, comedies or suspense, but there are people who suffer from this disorder on a daily basis, and if properly educated on this topic, you can begin to see and learn that this disorder isn't always the comic relief it's usually used for in your favorite movies or television shows. Dissociative identity disorder, DID, is a disorder in which a person experiences a variation of changes in their memory, identity, feelings, actions, or consciousness. Dissociated identity disorder was previously known as multiple personality disorder until 1994, when the name was changed to provide a better understanding of the condition. The name Multiple Personality Disorder was thought to be more characterized by separation of identity than by the growth of separate identities. It is very rare in life and is thought to originate from severe trauma during early childhood on the part of the person suffering from the disorder. The dissociative aspect is believed to be a coping mechanism. A person with dissociative identity disorder is literally separated…middle of the paper…better and becomes more in control. In conclusion, dissociative identity disorder is a very rare and interesting disorder to those who observe it. For patients, however, it can be a very confusing and terrifying experience. DID isn't always as dramatic in the way Hollywood movies make it out to be, and it's much more serious than you might expect. Fortunately, treatment can help those who suffer from this disorder by teaching them how to control it and live life with this disorder. There is also a way that observers can contribute to prevention. Dissociative identity disorder is usually developed from trauma or abuse suffered in life. So if you know someone who has experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, talk to someone and let them know. There are many trusted adults who can help solve problems. Early treatment is also the best way to start a recovery journey.