DID is a defense mechanism used solely for survival. It is created by highly creative and intelligent children in order to protect themselves from severe repeated trauma, usually sexual abuse by a loved one, that usually begins before the age of 5. Only young children have the ability to create alter personalities. These children dissociate themselves from their current situation (the abuse) and "go inside themselves." Here they create other children to take the abuse for them.

The clinical (or medical) term used to describe those people who describe themselves (or self-determine) as transsexual. The term 'transsexualism' is a misnomer. The clinical term is more accurate as a person's self-perceived identity is emphasised.

Amnesia refers to the inability to recall important personal information that is so extensive that it is not due to ordinary forgetfulness. Most of the amnesias typical of dissociative disorders are not of the classic fugue variety, where people travel long distances, and suddenly become alert, disoriented as to where they are and how they got there.

Dissociative effects include distorted perceptions of sight and sound as well as feelings of detachment or separation from the environment and self.

GID is a psychological classification found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association. Although GID is the only diagnosis under which trans people may receive treatment, and therefore it is necessary, it also is controversial. Some psychotherapists GID has been used inappropriately and harmfully by to treat gender variant youth. Moreover, many if not most trans people also believe they do not have a mental disorder.

Some studies indicate that diagnosable dissociation occurs in approximately two to three percent of the general population. Other studies have estimated a prevalence rate of 10% for all dissociative disorders in the general population (e.g., Loewenstein, 1994). Dissociation may exist in either acute or chronic forms. Immediately following severe trauma, the incidence of dissociative phenomena is remarkably high.

Although gender dysphoria is listed in the DSM IV as Gender Identity Disorder, most mental health practitioners do not consider transsexualism to be a mental illness per se. However, due to the discrimination and prejudice they face, many transsexuals do suffer from mental health issues secondary to their GID. Some of the most common are clinically significant levels of depression, anxiety, depersonalization and substance abuse/dependence.

Research tends to show that dissociation stems from a combination of environmental and biological factors. The likelihood that a tendency to dissociate is inherited genetically is estimated to be zero (Simeon et al., 2001). Most commonly, repetitive childhood physical and/or sexual abuse and other forms of trauma are associated with the development of dissociative disorders (e.g., Putnam, 1985).

There are four main categories of dissociative disorders as defined in the standard catalogue of psychological diagnoses used by mental health professionals in North America, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR).

Yes. First, learn all you can about your illness by reading books, going to lectures and talking to your doctor. Get support from others who also have the illness. The Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association is a good place to look for a support group in your area. In these groups, you can hear how others face the challenges of life and manage their mood and treatment medications. For helpful hints for managing your illness, see Coping With Bipolar Disorder.

Bipolar disorder (commonly referred to as manic-depression) is a major affective disorder in which an individual alternates between states of deep depression and extreme euphoria (mania).

autoimmune disorder is any of a number of conditions in which a person's immune system reacts against the body's own organs or tissues, and the person's immune system produces antibodies to them. An autoimmune disorder is NOT an "immune deficiency". In the case of vitiligo, we believe that the immune system probably sees the person's own pigment cells as foreign bodies, and attacks them, destroying them or weakening them.

ANRED, a national organization for Eating Disorders, supplies lots of information on anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating.

Some people have episodes that occur less than nightly with no evidence of dental injury or impairment of psychosocial functioning. And others experience nightly episodes with evidence of mild impairment of psychosocial functioning. Yet others have nightly episodes with evidence of dental injury, tempomandibular (jaw) disorders, other physical injury or moderate or severe impairment of psychosocial functioning.

Pelvic floor disorders may include bowel problems. However, some patients will have weakness of areas of the pelvic floor that only cause bladder or vaginal problems.

Also known as "Conflict of Interest". It is a conflict of interest for a nonprofit to employ staff who also work for and receive financial benefits from a for-profit entity that is providing the nonprofit with services related to the nonprofit's affordable housing plan. Board members must serve on a voluntary basis, and may not be paid nor receive any compensation for any services they provide in the implementation of the non-profit's affordable housing program.

Identity confusion is a sense of confusion about who a person is. An example of identity confusion is when a person sometimes feels a thrill while engaged in an activity (e.g., reckless driving, drug use) which at other times would be repugnant. Identity alteration is the sense of being markedly different from another part of oneself. This can be unnerving to clinicians.