Which statement about hypnosis and alter personalities in DID is most accurate?

Which statement about hypnosis and alter personalities in DID is most accurate?

• A. A client is often not consciously aware of alter personalities.
• B. Hypnosis is contraindicated in DID.
• C. Hypnosis can help but may reveal unconscious alters.
• D. Hypnosis cures DID.

Answer: (A)

In dissociative identity disorder, consciousness tends to be split among distinct identities, with memory gaps between them. Because other alters can operate outside the waking self’s awareness, a person may not be consciously aware of the presence or activities of other personalities. This makes the statement about not being consciously aware of alter personalities a good fit for what this condition often looks like in practice. Hypnosis can be a helpful therapeutic tool when used by an experienced clinician. It may assist in accessing dissociated material, facilitate communication between alters, and support the process of integration. It does not cure DID, and not every client will experience new or confirming awareness of alters under hypnosis. It also carries risks if not handled carefully, such as the potential to evoke distress or unintentionally reinforce dissociation.

In dissociative identity disorder, consciousness tends to be split among distinct identities, with memory gaps between them. Because other alters can operate outside the waking self’s awareness, a person may not be consciously aware of the presence or activities of other personalities. This makes the statement about not being consciously aware of alter personalities a good fit for what this condition often looks like in practice.

Hypnosis can be a helpful therapeutic tool when used by an experienced clinician. It may assist in accessing dissociated material, facilitate communication between alters, and support the process of integration. It does not cure DID, and not every client will experience new or confirming awareness of alters under hypnosis. It also carries risks if not handled carefully, such as the potential to evoke distress or unintentionally reinforce dissociation.