Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is often misunderstood and can be easily missed—or misdiagnosed—by experts. While many of us have come to believe that folks with DID jump between personas and personalities, a very small portion of those with the condition actually exhibit this behavior. The fact that symptoms can be easily missed without training can lead experts to treat the accompanying conditions, but not DID itself.

So if dissociative identity disorder is rarely outwardly expressed, how can we support those who are silently battling the condition? How can we better understand DID to help destigmatize it and its cooccurring mental conditions?

Dr. Milissa Kaufman explains the symptoms and impact of dissociative identity disorder, highlights why it may be difficult to recognize DID, and answers audience questions about tips for coping with dissociative disorders.