Main Treatment Options

There is no single medication that “cures” DID. Treatment mainly focuses on long-term therapy, because DID is rooted in trauma and identity fragmentation. Medications may be used, but mostly to help manage related symptoms like depression or anxiety.

1. Psychotherapy (Main Treatment)

Therapy is the most important and most effective treatment for DID. Most professionals use a phase-oriented approach, which usually includes:

Phase 1: Stabilization
The goal is to help the person feel safe, build coping skills, and reduce dangerous behaviors like self-harm.

Phase 2: Trauma Processing
Once the person is stable, therapy may carefully work through traumatic memories in a controlled and safe way.

Phase 3: Integration and Rehabilitation
This focuses on improving daily functioning and helping identity states work together more cooperatively (or in some cases integrating into a more unified identity).

Therapy for DID often takes years, not months. It requires a therapist trained in trauma and dissociation.

Other therapy styles that may be used include:

  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) – helps change harmful thought patterns

  • DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) – builds emotional regulation and distress tolerance

  • Schema therapy – works on deep-rooted identity and trauma patterns

These approaches support emotional stability, even if they don’t directly eliminate identity switching.

2. Medications (Supportive Treatment)

There are no medications specifically approved for DID. However, medications can help treat symptoms that often occur alongside DID, such as:

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Mood instability

  • Sleep problems

Common medications include antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or sometimes antipsychotics. These medications do not treat the identity disruption itself. Instead, they help manage emotional symptoms so the person can better participate in therapy.

Some medications (especially certain anti-anxiety drugs) may actually increase dissociation, so careful monitoring is important.

3. Supportive and Lifestyle Factors

Treatment is not just therapy sessions. Stability outside therapy matters too. Helpful supports can include:

  • A consistent and safe therapeutic relationship

  • Building daily routines

  • Stress management skills

  • Support from trusted people

  • Trauma-informed care environments

These supports make long-term treatment more effective.

Pros and Cons of Treatment Options

Treatment Pros Cons
Psychotherapy Best evidence for long-term improvement; addresses trauma directly Takes years; emotionally intense; requires trained specialist
CBT / DBT / Schema Therapy Improves coping skills and emotional control May not directly reduce dissociation
Medications Helps depression, anxiety, sleep Does not treat core DID symptoms; possible side effects
Supportive Lifestyle Changes Increases stability and resilience Works best combined with therapy

Overall Effectiveness

Research suggests that structured, long-term trauma-focused therapy leads to improvements in functioning, reduced self-harm, and better emotional stability. Recovery is usually gradual. The goal is often improved cooperation between identity states and increased daily functioning rather than a quick “cure.”