A nurse is preparing an in-service for a group of staff members about dissociative identity disorder. Which of the following should the nurse identify as a risk factor for this disorder?
Explanation & Rationale
A. A history of schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a distinct mental health disorder characterized by psychosis, including delusions and hallucinations. While it may co-occur with dissociative disorders, it is not considered a direct risk factor for dissociative identity disorder (DID). B. Borderline personality disorder: While there is some overlap in symptoms between borderline personality disorder and dissociative identity disorder, borderline personality disorder itself is not a risk factor for developing DID. However, individuals with DID may also present with features of borderline personality disorder. C. History of trauma during the developmental years: This is a significant risk factor for the development of dissociative identity disorder. DID is often associated with severe trauma, particularly during childhood, such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. The disorder can serve as a coping mechanism to dissociate from the traumatic experiences. D. A history of self-injurious behavior: Self-injurious behavior may be a symptom associated with various mental health disorders, including borderline personality disorder, but it is not specifically identified as a risk factor for dissociative identity disorder.