A. Disruption of identity characterized by two or more distinct personality states, which
may be described in some cultures as an experience of possession. The disruption in
identity involves marked discontinuity in sense of self and sense of agency, accompa-
nied by related alterations in affect, behavior, consciousness, memory, perception,
cognition, and/or sensory-motor functioning. These signs and symptoms may be ob-
served by others or reported by the individual. 
B. Recurrent gaps in the recall of everyday events, important personal information, and/
or traumatic events that are inconsistent with ordinary forgetting.
C. The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupa-
tional, or other important areas of functioning. 
D. The disturbance is not a normal part of a broadl y accepted cultural or religious practice.
Note:  In children, the symptoms are not better explained by imaginary playmates or
other fantasy play.
E. The symptoms are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g.,
blackouts or chaotic behavior during alcohol intoxication) or anot her medical condition
(e.g., complex partial seizures).
Diagnostic Features 
The defining feature of dissocia tive identity disorder is the presence of two or more dis-
tinct personality states or an experience of  possession (Criterion  A). The overtness or
covertness of these personality states, howeve r, varies as a function of psychological
motivation, current level of st ress, culture, internal conflicts and dynamics, and emotional
resilience. Sustained periods of identity di sruption may occur when psychosocial pres-
sures are severe and/or prolonged. In many possession-form cases of  dissociative identity
disorder, and in a small proportion of non-po ssession-form cases, manifestations of alter-