Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a condition that causes you to have more than one distinct personality. These separate personalities are called alters.
Most people with DID have anywhere between 2 and 16 personalities. People with DID may have severe memory problems.
This can include forgetting certain specific events, time, or even who some people are. However, they usually have good memories of early childhood, and they tend to be extremely intelligent.
Individuals with Dissociative Identity Disorder will sometimes feel as if they have lost time, especially during a switch. They may find that they have new clothing, belongings, or tattoos, without any memory of buying them or getting them.
This disorder affects all ages, races, religions, and both genders. It is unknown what causes DID, but it is believed to stem from severe trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse, occurring over a long period of time in early childhood. People with DID may also use dissociation as a coping mechanism for daily stress.