Psychological Tests to Diagnose D.I.D.

Psychological Tests to Diagnose

Dissociative Identity Disorder

Official Medical (Psychiatric) Diagnosis of

Multiple Personality Disorder (M.P.D.)

As tools to speed their understanding of individuals, psychologists have developed a wide range of questionnaire-type tests. IQ tests are a well-known example. Among the many tests are ones designed to diagnose Dissociative Identity Disorder (also known by the older term of Multiple Personality Disorder). I would not regard any test as infallible but much care has been taken in developing the tests and the more they are used in conjunction with each other, the more reliable they are.

Note: Free, on-line tests exist but they are highly unreliable and not recommended.

The following information has been kindly provided by a professional who herself has D.I.D. She is in the U.S.A. and her information applies to that country.

These tests need to be administered by a PhD level Psychologist or other Mental Health Provider (regulations differ from state to state in the US). This is because considerable skill is needed for accurate interpretation of the results. The further removed in culture the person taking the test is from a white, middle class American, the more care is required to interpret the results and the less reliable it is likely to be. Greater accuracy is believed to occur if a professional asks the questions, rather than it being reduced to a pen and paper test. The more tests that are used, the more likely it is that the final result is valid. The tester also needs to be comfortable with the fact that Christians believe it is not unusual to contact angels, demons and God. Otherwise some of the answers could be wrongly interpreted as psychosis or deliberate fabrication.

The larger and more valid tests usually cost several hundreds of dollars ($250–$500+) and unless there is a competent physician who understands the testing and there is a good reason for doing the testing (not just for curiosity’s sake or personal confirmation), most insurance companies do not cover the cost. Also, the tests themselves can be very triggering and can cause some distress.

Another important consideration is who will be seeing the results and what they will be used for. Confidentiality is a must. Professionals understand the importance of confidentiality but it is worth asking about the office procedures regarding handling of client files and who will see your information and for what purpose.

No one should intimidate you into doing anything you feel uncomfortable about. If you feel your questions and concerns are not being given adequate attention, end the appointment and seek someone who will give you the care and respect you deserve.

You have a right to have the test administered in as comfortable an environment as possible where privacy can be maintained. It is your right to view the results of the testing – usually through a summary written by the professional – and have it explained in a non-intimidating, non-judgmental, confidential manner. Furthermore, you have a right to a copy of the summary and to ask for a second opinion.

Tests occasionally undergo revisions that further increase their accuracy. Occasionally, practitioners buy in bulk and could have old stock. It might be worthwhile asking if the lastest revision is being used.

Here are the tests, ranked approximately from the most useful/important for D.I.D. diagnosis down to the least important:

1.     MMPI-2-RF: Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory

A 338 item tester administered “inventory” which is a standard in many psychological circles to help in the “correct” diagnosis of an individual. Some of the conditions that it can help interpret are schizophrenia, depression, Borderline Personality Disorder, dissociation, and a host of other personality/behavior disorders.

This is usually used in conjunction with MCMI-II (see 6. below) but if cost prevents this, MMPI-2-RF alone is still better than not using this test.

2.     SCID-D-R: Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Dissociative Disorders–Revised

A 250 item “interview” meaning it is tester administered face-to-face in question/answer format.

3.     MID: Multidimensional Inventory of Dissociation

A 218 question self-reporting measure.

4.     DAPS: The Detailed Assessment of Posttraumatic Stress

A 105-item inventory that provides detailed information on an adult client’s history of various types of trauma exposure and their psychological reactions to the trauma including dissociation.

5.     DES-II: Dissociative Experiences Scale

A 28 item self-reporting measure.

6.     MCMI-II: Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory

This, along with the Rorschach (“ink-blot” test) and TAT (Thematic Apperception Test – consists of 20 drawings) can provide information regarding various ways that a person interprets information and understands the world around them. The Rorschach and TAT tests are especially subjective in nature.

7.     MDI: Multi-Scale Dissociation Inventory

A 30 item self reporting measure of the individual’s dissociative symptoms.

8.     PAS: Perceptual Alterations Scale

A 35 item self-reporting measure.

9.     QED: Questionnaire on Experiences of Dissociation

A 26 item self-reporting measure.

A good provider may also administer an Intelligence test such as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III (WAIS-III) which can screen for and differentiate psychosis from dissociation, as sometimes DID is misunderstood as a psychotic disorder.

“God is the center and source for all healing,” writes the abuse survivor recovering from D.I.D. who compiled this page. Never forget this, even if you receive some help from professionals.

For self-diagnosis and indicators suggesting Dissociative Identity Disorder, understand that alter is a term for a separate “personality” associated with D.I.D., and see How Can You Know if You Have an Alter?