OSDD stands for Other Specified Dissociative Disorder. It is a diagnosis under the category of dissociative disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). OSDD is similar to Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) but has some distinguishing features that make it a separate diagnosis. Like DID, OSDD involves disruptions in memory, identity, consciousness, or perception.
The primary distinction between OSDD and DID is the level of identity fragmentation and amnesia between the different identities (also referred to as alters). In DID, there is a clear distinction between two or more distinct identities, each with its own set of memories, behaviors, and characteristics. Additionally, there is typically significant amnesia between these identities.
On the other hand, in OSDD, the identity fragmentation might not be as distinct as in DID, and the amnesia between identities can be less severe. People with OSDD may experience identity states that are less fully formed or more integrated than in DID, leading to a less pronounced sense of separate self-states.
When it comes to switching between identities in OSDD, the process can vary from person to person. Switching refers to the transition from one identity state to another. Some individuals may experience overt and noticeable switches, involving distinct changes in behavior, voice, mannerisms, and memory. In other cases, the switches might be more subtle, with internal shifts in thoughts, emotions, or perceptions without outwardly observable changes.
The triggers for switching can also differ between individuals with OSDD. Switches may be spontaneous or in response to internal or external stressors, traumatic reminders, emotional states, or specific environmental cues. The process of switching can be automatic and beyond the person's immediate control.
It is essential to approach OSDD and its symptoms with empathy and understanding. People with OSDD often have a history of trauma, and the condition serves as a coping mechanism to deal with overwhelming experiences. Treatment for OSDD usually involves psychotherapy, such as trauma-focused therapy and approaches that focus on integration and communication among identity states to foster greater cohesion and cooperation within the individual's sense of self. The aim is to improve overall functioning and reduce distress related to the dissociative symptoms.