Which of the following best defines Dissociative Identity Disorder?

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or an experience of possession. This diagnosis involves a marked discontinuity in sense of self and sense of agency, which can significantly impact a person’s functioning. Each identity, often referred to as an “alter,” may have its own unique behaviors, memories, and ways of perceiving the world, leading to noticeable differences in the individual’s behavior when different identities are present.

The other options touch on aspects related to dissociation but do not encapsulate the complexity of DID. Severe memory loss related to trauma is more descriptive of Dissociative Amnesia. The inability to recall significant personal information generally pertains to the amnesia that can occur within various dissociative disorders, not specifically identifying DID. Continuous mild dissociation can also be observed in other conditions but does not reflect the defining characteristic of having multiple distinct identities, which is central to DID.