On average it takes an agonizing six years before the correct diagnosis is rendered. The latter goal is often achieved through the relationship with the therapist, as well as guided imagery techniques or choosing an actual physical location where the person feels safe. When all the personalities finally reveal themselves, talk therapy and play therapy are employed to develop a working relationship between the personas. Integration of all the personalities into one functional self is the objective. According to Alderman, treatment is not a quick fix and can take an average of 10 years.
Success is a matter of personal perspective.
For some the integration process is itself traumatic because the personalities feel as though they are being killed. In situations like this, the individual may choose not to integrate, learning instead to manage the personalities. In the final analysis, this type of self-accommodation is what most sufferers of DID can hope to achieve. If learning to live a happy, productive life is the criterion, the success rate is much, much higher. Dr. Tracy Alderman's and Karen Marshall's book Amongst Ourselves is available at many online booksellers or through your local bookstore.