Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder (Jossey Bass Social and Behavioral Science Series) [Hardcover]

James L. Spira (Author)

Book Description

Series: Jossey Bass Social and Behavioral Science Series | Publication Date: November 27, 1995

A Volume in the Jossey-Bass Library of Current Clinical Technique

Discusses clinical treatment, including cognitive therapy, psychodynamic therapy, short-term in-patient treatment, longer term hospitalization, and the correct use of hypnosis. Also discussed is how the study of this controversial diagnosis reveals the inner workings of the normal functioning mind.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Dissociative Identity Disorder is a new and more accurate designation for what was formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD). For many years, MPD has been considered a very unconventional, highly controversial diagnosis. Initially, it was believed that only a few patients actually exhibited authentic "alters'' who could be identified as distinct personalities. Later, as the powerful association between trauma and dissociation became better understood, the number of cases diagnosed as multiple personalities increased astronomically. Now, however, the pAndulum has swung again and a more balanced view of both the assessment and treatment of Dissociative Identity Disorder has prevailed, not only recognizing the widespread occurrence of this problem but also offering a more informed view of the correct clinical interventions to achieve a positive outcome.In this comprehensive and original book, some of the most eminent practitioners in the field offer the most current information on a variety of treatments for this fascinating and yet debilitating disorder. Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of clinical technique, including assessment, cognitive therapy, psychodynamic therapy, expressive therapy, short-term in-patient treatment, longer term hospitalization, the correct use of hypnosis, and other important modalities. In addition, the study of this complex disorder reveals the inner workings of the normal functioning mind and helps to shed light on the causes and treatment of other disorders.As in the other titles in this series, the language is direct and to the point. This book speaks to the practicing clinician, offering many specific examples and case histories which demonstrate exactly what, when, and how to do it. Also included are useful tables, graphs and charts which highlight effective therapeutic approaches and procedues for psychotherapists, social workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other practitioners who face this troublesome --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover

Some of the most eminent practitioners in the field discuss treatments for dissociative identity disorder, a fascinating yet debilitating malady. They discuss clinical techniques including assessment, cognitive therapy, psychodynamic therapy, expressive therapy, short-term in-patient treatment, longer term hospitalization, and the correct use of hypnosis. Also discussed is how the study of this controversial diagnosis reveals the inner workings of the normal functioning mind. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1st edition (November 27, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787901571
• ISBN-13: 978-0787901578
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #771,289 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #59 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Mental Health > Dissociative Disorders

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Compared to the other books on MPD, this is the best., June 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder (Paperback)

I've been treating MPD for over a decade, but this book has the best in the field giving us their decades of experience. It really helped me to get current, and improved my clinical practice. I copy Dr. Spira's introductory chapter to give to my patients. I have the hardback, which is no longer available, but the paperback is cheaper anyway.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book I've read on the subject., April 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder (Paperback)

This is the best book to date on the subject of DID/MPD. The authors are the leaders in the field, and they offer concise and detailed information about how to treat patients with multiple personalities in in-patient and out-patient settings. Dr. Spira's introductory chapter is especially helpful and offers a good context for the chapters that follow. There are chapters on psychological assessment, the develop of DID, treatments from a variety of perspectives, and even a chapter of psychotropic medications! This is a great book for anyone who has ever treated someone with MPD, or who want to better understand dissociative disorders.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Impressive Work on DID!, August 31, 2011

By 

Rachel Raine (United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder (Paperback)

Written in 1996, I expected this book to be lacking much of the up-to-date information, but I was pleasantly surprised. Enough to probably say this is my new favorite on the subject of DID. The look of the book led me to think it was going to be a book only for professionals but again I was pleased with the easy to read text and format. I always get excited with the first chapter of a book since I enjoy reading about exactly what DID is, but this book went farther taking me to explanations that made sense on treating DID.

In the introduction the author got my attention quickly with his understanding of inner communication and interpersonal relationships. I was really captivated by his information on the "unconscious" alter. I believe this is the same as others call the ISH, manager, etc... His tips on dealing with those inside are invaluable.

After this wonderful introduction he goes on to discuss "Models of Treatment" which of course addresses testing and diagnosing DID. The discussion on how early life experiences shape the brain is fascinating. The author goes into detail about and why the child does not tell of the abuse or does not even remember it. Meds are discussed, as well as early child-hood onset of DID. Many types of therapy are examined in the book.

Chapter 7 gets to the good stuff: The Use of Hypnosis in Diagnosis and Treatment. Using it to map the system, facilitate communication, etc... The final sections talk about in-patient work.