Dissociative Identity Disorder and competency to stand trial evaluations: Searching for convergence among psychologists

Research involving the application of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD), on forensic evaluations has focused on insanity evaluations. However, the assessment of competence to stand trial (CST) in defendants diagnosed with DID was the primary focus of this study. The deficits inherent in the disorder, such as the dividedness in personality, amnesia which results from this dividedness, and potential confusion from the switching of alters, can all impact an individual's psycholegal abilities. The present study assessed the way in which psychologists would evaluate CST in defendants diagnosed with DID. Results illustrate that there remains a lack of convergence among psychologists with regard to the belief of DID as a valid diagnosis, as well as the way CST is evaluated in defendants with DID. Implications for the courts are discussed.