Feeling no core identity is often described as a sense of not having a stable or consistent sense of self. People who experience this may have difficulty defining who they are, understanding their likes and dislikes, and having a coherent sense of their own personality, values, and beliefs. Instead of a single, integrated self-concept, they may feel like they have different personas or identities that shift or are fragmented.
This lack of a core identity can be distressing and confusing. People may feel disconnected from themselves and struggle with a sense of coherence and continuity in their lives. It can impact their relationships, self-esteem, and decision-making processes.
Several mental disorders may have a lack of core identity as a central symptom or feature:
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID): Formerly known as multiple personality disorder, DID is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities within an individual. Each identity may have its own memories, behaviors, and perception of the world. The lack of a cohesive sense of self is a core characteristic of DID.
Other Specified Dissociative Disorder (OSDD): OSDD is a diagnosis given to individuals who experience dissociative symptoms but do not meet the full criteria for DID. Like DID, OSDD can also involve fragmented identity states and a lack of core identity.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): People with BPD may experience identity disturbances, often referred to as "identity diffusion." They may struggle with a stable and consistent self-concept, resulting in frequent shifts in self-identity, goals, values, and career choices.
Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder: While not directly related to identity, this disorder involves persistent or recurrent episodes of feeling detached from oneself (depersonalization) or feeling detached from the surrounding environment (derealization). The experience of feeling detached from oneself can contribute to a lack of core identity.
It's important to note that feeling a lack of core identity does not necessarily mean a person has a mental disorder. It can also be a normal part of identity exploration and development, especially during adolescence and young adulthood. However, if this experience is causing significant distress or impairment in daily functioning, seeking professional help from a mental health provider experienced in diagnosing and treating dissociative and personality disorders is essential for accurate assessment and support.