Episodes of multiple personality disorder can get trigger by traumas that may be real or symbolic. Events that may be reminders of the trauma can initiate an episode of multiple personality disorder. These events can range from being mild like a traffic accident to adult illness or stress. Early childhood abuse may also contribute to their episodes. Especially, when the victim grows up and has a child who reaches the same age as when they were abused, they might start showing symptoms of dissociated identity.