(Ridgeview Institute and the International Society for the Study of Multiple Personality and Dissociation, 1989-06) Hall, Pamela
Unfortunate complexities encountered during the treatment of a 49 year old male with diagnosed multiple personality disorder (MPD) are described. Treatment sessions extending over a one year period were abruptly terminated after the patient's murder of his live-in girlfriend. Clinical hypotheses regarding the mechanism of the dissociation which occurred prior to and ensuing the killing are presented. The need for special attention to concealed aspects of the dissociation is addressed. The difficulties of case management on an out-patient basis in a large urban hospital are outlined, with implications for optimal treatment conditions. Skepticism among service providers regarding the diagnosis of MPD is also discussed.
