The Diagnosis and Treatment of Dissociative Identity Disorder - Case

In this review of The Diagnosis and Treatment of Dissociative Identity Disorder, the reviewer finds a thoughtful, case-driven examination suited to clinicians and advanced students interested in complex trauma and dissociation. The book's single biggest strength is its detailed, clinician-authored case study of a patient whose DID emerged during treatment, presented by a psychoanalyst who began as a skeptic and ultimately achieved a constructive outcome. This review highlights the book's combination of narrative clinical material and literature context, useful for readers who want a grounded, reflective look at a controversial diagnosis.

Key Features

• Detailed case study: A prolonged, step-by-step account of one patients treatment offers a rare, in-depth view of therapeutic decision making and the evolution of symptoms over time.
• Therapist perspective: The author writes as a practicing psychoanalyst who began skeptical, which provides candid reflection on clinical doubts and eventual acceptance of the diagnosis.
• Clinical outcome focus: The narrative emphasizes the eventual successful outcome, demonstrating practical therapeutic strategies and patience in complex cases.
• Contemporary literature review: The book situates the case within current debates and research, helping readers understand authenticity and controversies around DID.
• Educational value: By combining case material and scholarly discussion, the book serves as a teaching resource for mental health professionals studying dissociative disorders.

Who It's For

This book is best for psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychoanalysts, and advanced trainees who want a detailed clinical narrative combined with a reflective, scholarly perspective on dissociative identity disorder. Practitioners who appreciate long-form case material and candid therapist self-examination will find the book particularly valuable.

It is less suitable for casual readers seeking a broad, introductory overview of mental health conditions or for those expecting a brief handbook of diagnostic checklists; the books depth and clinical focus require some background in mental health to be fully useful.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides an unusually detailed, clinician-authored case study that illustrates therapeutic processes over time.
• Offers honest therapeutic reflection from a skeptic-turned-treating analyst, enhancing credibility and learning value.
• Integrates the case with contemporary discussion of DID authenticity and the literature, aiding critical understanding.

Cons

• The focused case-study approach means the book is not a broad textbook and may not serve as a quick reference for diagnostic criteria.

Specifications

Title	The Diagnosis and Treatment of Dissociative Identity Disorder
Author	Ronald A. Moline
Focus	Case study of DID treatment and contemporary perspective
Clinical angle	Psychoanalytic therapists account starting from skepticism
Content mix	Detailed treatment narrative and literature exploration
Audience	Mental health professionals and advanced students

Our Verdict

For clinicians and trainees seeking a substantive, reflective case study of dissociative identity disorder, this book is a worthwhile investment: it combines practical therapeutic detail with thoughtful engagement of the literature, making it good value for professionals who want to learn from a real, prolonged treatment and its eventual positive outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book primarily a clinical case study?
Yes. The core of the book is a detailed account of one patients treatment, supplemented by discussion of the related literature.

Who wrote the book and from what perspective?
The author is a psychoanalyst who began skeptical about the diagnosis and describes his evolving understanding and technique during treatment.

Is the book suitable for general readers?
It is mainly aimed at professionals and advanced students; general readers without clinical background may find the material dense.