Current status of multiple personality disorder in India

Abstract

Three consecutive cases of multiple personality disorder seen over a period of 3 years at a psychiatric clinic in India are reported. The prevalence of this disorder at the clinic is about 0.15/1,000 patients per year. The authors discuss the infrequency of this diagnosis in India in contrast to the frequent diagnosis of possession syndrome for patients who have many of the same symptoms. Transcultural differences in diagnostic practices are also discussed.