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20 Famous People with D. I. D (Dissociative Identity Disorder)

Originally published by Brian in January 2023 and updated by Faith in March 2024.

Identity dissociative disorder, also known as dissociative identity disorder, is a pathological condition characterized by the fragmentation of one’s sense of self, resulting in the manifestation of multiple distinct and autonomous personalities or identities. These identities, known as alter egos, possess their unique names, characteristics, and mannerisms, and may even have distinct memories and experiences.

The individual may experience involuntary switching between these identities and may be unaware of the transitions. The aetiology of this disorder is not fully comprehended, however, it is postulated to be the result of severe psychological trauma or abuse during childhood. In the article are ten famous people with D. I. D (Identity Dissociative Disorder)

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1. Sybil Dorsett

Sybil Dorsett, whose pseudonym was used in the 1973 book and 1976 movie “Sybil” to safeguard her true identity, was an individual who suffered from the condition known as dissociative identity disorder. This disorder, also referred to as multiple personality disorder, is a complex and severe condition in which an individual’s sense of identity becomes fragmented and compartmentalized, resulting in the emergence of distinct and autonomous alter egos or subpersonalities.

In the case of Sybil Dorsett, it was alleged that she had as many as 16 distinct personalities, each with its unique characteristics, behaviours, and memories.

This fragmentation of identity is thought to be a coping mechanism for individuals who have experienced severe, prolonged trauma, such as childhood abuse. The dissociation serves as a defence mechanism, allowing the individual to dissociate or detach from the traumatic memories, emotions, and physical sensations associated with the trauma.

2. Billy Milligan

A photo of Billy Milligan by an Unknown author –

Billy Milligan, who was the first individual to utilize dissociative identity disorder as a successful legal defence in a criminal case, suffered from this condition, also known as multiple personality disorder. This disorder is a complex and severe condition characterized by the fragmentation of an individual’s sense of identity, resulting in the emergence of distinct and autonomous alter egos or subpersonalities.

In the case of Billy Milligan, it was alleged that he had as many as 24 distinct personalities, each with its unique characteristics, behaviours, and memories. This fragmentation of identity is thought to be a coping mechanism for individuals who have experienced severe, prolonged trauma, such as childhood abuse.

The dissociation serves as a defence mechanism, allowing the individual to dissociate or detach from the traumatic memories, emotions, and physical sensations associated with the trauma. In Milligan’s case, it was argued that his distinct personalities were responsible for committing the crimes of which he was accused, and thus, he was acquitted because of insanity.

This was a pioneering legal case, as it brought attention to dissociative identity disorder as a legitimate defence in criminal cases and helped increase awareness and understanding of this condition among the legal and medical communities.

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3. Ansel Bourne

A photo of Ansel Bourne by Remont Rider. –

Ansel Bourne, a 19th-century man who experienced dissociative amnesia, was a case study extensively documented in the seminal work “The Dissociation of a Personality” by William James. This condition, which is a subtype of dissociative disorder, is characterized by the sudden onset of memory loss that is not explainable by organic causes.

In the case of Ansel Bourne, he experienced dissociative amnesia in which he lost his sense of personal identity and memories, and subsequently developed a new personality and set of memories, as if he was a completely different individual.

The sudden onset of this condition and the development of a new personality along with memories suggest that dissociative amnesia is a coping mechanism for individuals who have experienced severe, prolonged trauma, such as childhood abuse.

The dissociation serves as a defence mechanism, allowing the individual to dissociate or detach from the traumatic memories, emotions, and physical sensations associated with the trauma. The case of Ansel Bourne brought attention to dissociative amnesia as a legitimate disorder and helped increase awareness and understanding of this condition among the medical and psychological communities.

4. Chris Sizemore

Chris Sizemore, who was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder, was the basis for the book and movie “The Three Faces of Eve.” This disorder, also referred to as multiple personality disorder, is a complex and severe condition in which an individual’s sense of identity becomes fragmented and compartmentalized, resulting in the emergence of distinct and autonomous alter egos or subpersonalities.

In the case of Chris Sizemore, it was reported that she had as many as 22 distinct personalities, each with its own unique characteristics, behaviours, and memories. This fragmentation of identity is thought to be a coping mechanism for individuals who have experienced severe, prolonged trauma, such as childhood abuse.

The dissociation serves as a defence mechanism, allowing the individual to dissociate or detach from the traumatic memories, emotions, and physical sensations associated with the trauma.

The case of Chris Sizemore brought attention to dissociative identity disorder as a legitimate disorder and helped increase awareness and understanding of this condition among the public, as well as the medical and psychological communities.

5. Karen Overhill

Karen Overhill, who was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder, was the subject of the book “Switch: A Memoir of a Multiple Personality” by Ralph Allison. In the case of Karen Overhill, it was reported that she had as many as 40 distinct personalities, each with its own unique characteristics, behaviours, and memories.

This fragmentation of identity is thought to be a coping mechanism for individuals who have experienced severe, prolonged trauma, such as childhood abuse. The dissociation serves as a defence mechanism, allowing the individual to dissociate or detach from the traumatic memories, emotions, and physical sensations associated with the trauma.

The case of Karen Overhill brought attention to dissociative identity disorder as a legitimate disorder and helped increase awareness and understanding of this condition among the public and the medical and psychological communities. Furthermore, the book authored by Ralph Allison, provides a detailed account of her case and the therapeutic process, adding to the understanding of how this disorder can manifest and the challenges in its diagnosis and treatment.

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6. Truddi Chase

Truddi Chase, was an American woman who was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder and was the subject of the book “When Rabbit Howls” by Truddi Chase, which chronicles her life and therapeutic journey. This disorder, also referred to as multiple personality disorder, is a complex and severe condition in which an individual’s sense of identity becomes fragmented and compartmentalized, resulting in the emergence of distinct and autonomous alter egos or subpersonalities.

In the case of Truddi Chase, it was reported that she had as many as 92 distinct personalities, considered one of the highest reported numbers of personalities in a single person. This fragmentation of identity is thought to be a coping mechanism for individuals who have experienced severe, prolonged trauma, such as childhood abuse.

The dissociation serves as a defence mechanism, allowing the individual to dissociate or detach from the traumatic memories, emotions, and physical sensations associated with the trauma. The case of Truddi Chase brought attention to dissociative identity disorder as a legitimate disorder and helped increase awareness and understanding of this condition among the public and the medical and psychological communities.

Furthermore, the book authored by Truddi Chase, provides a detailed account of her case and the therapeutic process, adding to the understanding of how this disorder can manifest and the challenges in its diagnosis and treatment.

7. Tom Bonney

Tom Bonney, was a man who was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder and is a fictional character. Dissociative identity disorder, also referred to as multiple personality disorder, is a complex and severe condition in which an individual’s sense of identity becomes fragmented and compartmentalized, resulting in the emergence of distinct and autonomous alter egos or subpersonalities.

This fragmentation of identity is thought to be a coping mechanism for individuals who have experienced severe, prolonged trauma, such as childhood abuse. The dissociation serves as a defence mechanism, allowing the individual to dissociate or detach from the traumatic memories, emotions, and physical sensations associated with the trauma.

The condition is considered rare and the diagnosis is often controversial and debated among mental health professionals. The portrayal of dissociative identity disorder in fictional characters such as Tom Bonney can serve to raise awareness and understanding of the condition among the public. Still, it is important to note that these portrayals may not always be an accurate representation of the disorder.

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8. Tsutomu Miyazaki

Tsutomu Miyazaki was a Japanese man who was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder and was a serial killer. Dissociative identity disorder, also referred to as multiple personality disorder, is a complex and severe condition in which an individual’s sense of identity becomes fragmented and compartmentalized, resulting in the emergence of distinct and autonomous alter egos or subpersonalities.

This fragmentation of identity is thought to be a coping mechanism for individuals who have experienced severe, prolonged trauma, such as childhood abuse. The dissociation serves as a defence mechanism, allowing the individual to dissociate or detach from the traumatic memories, emotions, and physical sensations associated with the trauma.

It is important to note that dissociative identity disorder is not considered a justification or explanation for violent or criminal behaviour and that individuals with this disorder are no more likely to commit crimes than the general population. The case of Tsutomu Miyazaki is a rare example of a criminal with dissociative identity disorder, which is not considered a common feature of the disorder.

Furthermore, it is important to note that the diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder is often controversial and debated among mental health professionals and it’s not guaranteed that he had this disorder.

9. Louis Vivet

A photo of Louis Vivet by Rberrerron –

Louis Vivet was a man who was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder and was one of the earliest recorded cases of this condition. Dissociative identity disorder, also referred to as multiple personality disorder, is a complex and severe condition in which an individual’s sense of identity becomes fragmented and compartmentalized, resulting in the emergence of distinct and autonomous alter egos or subpersonalities.

This fragmentation of identity is thought to be a coping mechanism for individuals who have experienced severe, prolonged trauma, such as childhood abuse. The dissociation serves as a defence mechanism, allowing the individual to dissociate or detach from the traumatic memories, emotions, and physical sensations associated with the trauma.

The case of Louis Vivet was documented in the late 19th century by Dr Paul Dubois, who described him as having two distinct personalities, one of which had amnesia for the other. This was one of the earliest documented cases of dissociative identity disorder, and it contributed to the early understanding of the condition and its relationship to trauma. It is important to note that the diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder has evolved and the knowledge of the condition has been refined with advances in psychology and psychiatry.

10. Jill Janus

A photo of Jill Janus by Stefan Brending –

Jill Janus, was a woman who was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder and was a lead singer of the metal band “Huntress”. Dissociative identity disorder, also referred to as multiple personality disorder, is a complex and severe condition in which an individual’s sense of identity becomes fragmented and compartmentalized, resulting in the emergence of distinct and autonomous alter egos or subpersonalities.

16 Patty Duke

A picture of Patty Duke. , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The acclaimed actress who is famed for playing the lead role in the renowned 1960s sitcom The Patty Duke Show is among the famous people who have been diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder. The actress was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder in the 1980s and she attributes it to the trauma she underwent as a child when she was sexually assaulted. She divulges her journey battling the condition in an autobiography titled Call Me Anna which was released in 1987. The book has been instrumental in raising awareness about the condition that is usually misconceived. The actress has gone on to become a vocal mental health advocate who educates people about the disorder and other mental illnesses using her platform.

17 Adam Duritz

Adam Duritz performing.

The artist is well known for being the lead singer for the rock band Counting Crows. Durritz was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder and he has been open about the struggles that he faces living with the condition. While speaking in interviews, Duritz explains that he has multiple personalities that switch with one being an optimistic and productive morning person while the alter is a melancholic and insomniac night person.

The singer and songwriter believe that the condition developed as a result of his childhood traumas like moving constantly and his parent’s separation.  To manage the condition, he goes to therapy so that he can try to understand it and learn how to manage DID. He has also been a vocal advocate of mental health and he continues to use his platform to raise awareness and dispel the stigma that surrounds the condition.

18 Roseanne Barr

The actress who is well known for her sitcom Roseanne has been open about her diagnosis and the journey she has been on trying to manage and live with the condition. In her memoir Roseanne: My Lives which was released in 1994, the actress speaks about having several personalities with one named Rosie while the other one is called Heather. Rosie has a protective personality while Heather is suicidal. To manage the two personalities, she has been to therapy to integrate her alters into one identity.

19 Tracy Thompson

Tracy Thompson is an author who has penned her struggles dealing with dissociative identity disorder in a memoir titled The Ghost in the House: Acquainted with Madness. In the book, the author describes how she was diagnosed with the condition while she was in her 30s and how she dealt with blackouts, shifts in personality and memory lapses. She goes on to further describe that she has more than 20 alternate personalities which arose as a way to escape the childhood traumas that she endured.

Some of these alternate personalities include a sophisticated businesswoman, a young girl and a teenager. She underwent intensive therapy to integrate all her personalities into one personality. Through publishing her book, she has been able to educate the public and raise awareness about dissociative identity disorder.

20 Art Bell

Bell was a late-night radio show that hosted Coast to Coast AM which was a paranormal-themed show. He revealed in 2016 that he has been battling with dissociative identity disorder. Like most of the other people suffering from the disorder, his alternate personalities stemmed from childhood abuse and traumas. Therefore, the alternate personalities came into play to help him escape the abuse. By going to therapy he worked on integrating his personality into one cohesive identity. His openness about the condition helps raise awareness of dissociative identity disorder.