There are several characteristics that are present when a person has Dissociative Identity Disorder. The main characteristics of DID are fugue states and the multiple personalities. These multiple personalities are known as alters. A person will have at least two different identities that will take control of the person and behavior. These alters may have their own characteristics that are completely different than the original personality. These can include, but are not limited to, sex, age, health problems, mannerisms and gestures. There may only be a few alters present at first but more may emerge throughout the course of a persons' life. The average number of alters is between 13 and 15 but there have been reported cases of as high as 100 (Dissociative identity disorder (multiple personality disorder), n.d.). The original personality is usually not aware of the alters but it is possible for the alters to be aware of each other and there is usually an alter that knows every personality and can put all the information together. The other main characteristic associated with Dissociative Identity Disorder is fugue states. This is the reason that most people with DID seek help. Since the original personality is not aware of the alters they lose the time during which the other personalities have control.  



There are a number of other conditions that are associated with Dissociative Identity Disorder. They can either be because of the affects the disorder has on the original personality or they may be part of one of the alters. There is a list of some other problems people with Dissociative Identity Disorder are likely to have.

depression

mood swings

suicidal tendencies

prone to self mutilation

prone to violence

sleep disorders

anxiety disorders

alcohol and drug use

eating disorders




(Dissociative identity disorder (multiple personality disorder), n.d.)