Navigating the "Unhappy Constellation" of Dissociative Identity Disorder, Infant Trauma, and Type D Attachment

Abstract

Patients with a current diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder and a history of infant abuse may present for therapy with a constellation of neurobiological and socioemotional issues. During the initial stages of therapy, clinicians’ primary goal is to stabilize the patient and reduce acute symptoms. Understanding the most effective way to achieve this baseline goal requires the clinician to appreciate the chronic neurobiological effects of trauma for a patient abused during infancy. Through an attachment theory lens, this paper will discuss the effects of infant trauma on the brain, review traditional methods used to stabilize the patient, postulate complementary strategies discussed in the literature, and recommend directions for future research.