Which dissociative disorder is defined by the presence of two or more distinct personalities with unique memories and behaviors?

• A. Dissociative Identity Disorder
• B. Schizophrenia
• C. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• D. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is identifying the dissociative condition in which a person exhibits two or more distinct identities, each with its own memories and ways of behaving. This pattern—alternating personalities with separate memories and behavioral patterns—fits Dissociative Identity Disorder. People with DID often experience dissociative amnesia, where gaps in memory occur when another identity takes over, and the different identities may have their own names, ages, or preferences.

This differs from schizophrenia, where the core features are psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions rather than distinct, coexisting personalities. PTSD focuses on re-experiencing trauma, avoidance, and hyperarousal, not multiple identities. Generalized Anxiety Disorder involves pervasive worry across many areas, without identity fragmentation. So the description specifically points to Dissociative Identity Disorder.