What does self-alteration refer to in dissociative disorders?

Self-alteration in the context of dissociative disorders refers to the experience where an individual feels that different parts of their self are distinct or separate from one another. This can manifest as feeling like there are different identities or personality states, each with its own thoughts, memories, and behaviors. This sense of fragmentation is a key feature of dissociative identity disorder, for example, where a person might have multiple identities that control their behavior at different times.

The concept of self-alteration emphasizes the subjective experience of individuals who may feel disconnected from their own identity or experience shifts in their perception of self. This differs from other terms associated with dissociation, such as complete detachment from reality or a lack of emotional response, which describe broader dissociative symptoms rather than the specific feeling of having distinct parts of oneself. Similarly, a sudden onset of amnesia pertains more to memory loss rather than the perceived divisions within one's identity. Understanding self-alteration helps in recognizing how individuals experience their identity and may inform treatment approaches in mental health settings.