American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is primarily understood as a psychological response to extreme trauma, particularly during formative years. The development of DID often correlates with a history of traumatic life events, such as physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or other severe stressors. This connection highlights how the disorder is deeply rooted in experiences that disrupt an individual’s sense of self and identity.

Individuals who may have a vulnerability for developing DID are often those with specific personality traits or a history of psychological distress, making them more susceptible to dissociation as a coping mechanism. Environmental factors, such as family dynamics and social support, also play a crucial role in the development of DID as they can influence how one processes trauma and manages stress.

In contrast, the option that is not considered a contributing factor to dissociative identity disorder relates to prior viral infections or exposure. While medical conditions and certain physical illnesses can impact mental health, they are not recognized as direct contributors to the onset of dissociative identity disorder. This differentiates the biological factors associated with infections from the psychological and environmental factors that are central to the understanding of DID.