IndexIntroductionAn Overview of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)The Treatment of DID in CourtCriminal Justice Responsibilities in Cases Involving DIDConclusionIntroductionIn the late 1970s, the public American was fascinated by the controversial case of Billy Milligan, who made history by becoming the first individual in the United States to be found not guilty of numerous serious crimes, including kidnapping, armed robbery and sexual assault, on grounds of insanity. Milligan's unprecedented legal journey has brought him into the spotlight, with his face adorning magazine covers and newspaper front pages since his arrest and indictment. As his defense team prepared for trial, psychiatrists discovered that Milligan exhibited as many as twenty-four distinct personalities, an extremely rare and extreme case of multiple personality disorder. His defense argued that two of these personalities were responsible for the crimes, without Milligan himself knowing. This landmark case marked the first successful use of an insanity defense based on a diagnosis of multiple personality disorder, raising challenging questions at the intersection of psychiatry and the legal system. The 1970s were a time when little attention was paid to this disorder, making Milligan's case a catalyst for important discussions about multiple personality disorder, its diagnosis, treatment, and its implications within the justice system criminal. This essay will explore the nature of multiple personality disorder, its diagnosis and treatment by psychiatrists, its relevance in the courtroom, and the responsibilities of the criminal justice system in handling cases involving this complex mental condition. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayAn Overview of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)Today, multiple personality disorder is more commonly referred to as dissociative identity disorder (DID), as defined in the DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). DID is characterized by an identity breakdown, in which an individual experiences two or more distinct personality states, often resulting from extreme trauma or abuse. Population studies conducted in Europe, North America, and Turkey have revealed that DID is a relatively common psychiatric disorder, affecting approximately 1% to 3% of the general population. Diagnosing dissociative identity disorder can be a challenging undertaking. Psychiatrists may observe or patients may report the presence of various symptoms. These symptoms often include a sense of discontinuity in one's identity, marked by changes in behavior, emotions, memory, consciousness, perception, perception of reality, sensorimotor functioning, and frequent interruptions in recall of daily events. These disorders often lead to significant gaps in memory of important personal information, creating a fragmented sense of self in the patient. While there are no specific laboratory tests to diagnose DID, doctors can use diagnostic tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to rule out any physical illnesses or drug-related side effects. In the absence of physical complaints, patients are typically referred to a psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychiatric social worker for a comprehensive clinical interview aimed at gaining an in-depth understanding of the patient's past experiences and current functioning. The goals of the treatmentfor the DDI there are multiple. multifaceted, with a focus on reducing symptoms, ensuring the safety of both the patient and those around them, and facilitating the integration of various personalities into a unified, well-functioning identity. Additionally, treatment strives to assist patients in safely processing traumatic memories, while equipping them with new coping skills, life skills, and coping skills. Cultivate healthy relationships. The effectiveness of treatment depends on factors such as patient cooperation, the nature of identifiable triggers, and the severity of symptoms. While there are various treatment modalities for DID, psychotherapy is the primary and most widely used approach. It is important to note that there are no medications designed specifically to treat dissociative identity disorders themselves; however, patients with DID who also have symptoms of anxiety or depression may benefit from treatment with anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications. Patients with DID generally respond positively to treatment, but the process can be long and challenging. It typically begins with the empowerment and recognition of all personalities, facilitating their integration into a cohesive, fully functional whole. Treatment of DID in the Courtroom In the field of criminal justice, the treatment of individuals with dissociative identity disorder (DID) poses a complex challenge, often leading to differing approaches within the legal system. Two distinct approaches were observed. The first provides for the granting of freedom with mandatory periodic treatment to individuals found not guilty due to insanity due to DID, provided that the personality responsible for the criminal act was not the host personality, the individual's authentic self. In this scenario, experts evaluate the mental state of the personality involved, determining whether he was aware of his actions. The host personality may be considered criminally insane if the personality in question was unaware of their actions during the criminal act, as exemplified by the case of Billy Milligan. The second approach involves imprisonment or involuntary commitment to a mental institution when an individual with DID is found guilty as charged. This outcome occurs when both the host personality and alternate personalities collaboratively commit a crime, as in the case of Thomas Lee Bonney, who was convicted of first-degree murder for the murder of his daughter. However, criminal justice responsibility in cases involving DID. , I believe that the current insanity test, which focuses on the host personality's awareness or control during the criminal act, is insufficient. DID represents a unique form of mental disorder, and individuals suffering from it may be unfairly deemed legally insane simply because they lost consciousness during the commission of a crime, without implying that the host personality is inherently unstable. Courts must establish a distinct standard for applying the insanity defense to DID patients, one that deviates from conventional criteria. Instead, legal responsibility should be determined based on whether any of the dissociated alter personalities were unaware of or did not participate in the crime. The court's decision should not be separated from the metaphysical questions of personal identity. In such cases, courts are obliged to ascertain which personality committed the crime and assess their responsibility before deciding whether punishment is justified. Therefore, it is imperative to gain an understanding, 21(13-14), 1335-1351.