Skip to content

Clinical Perspectives on Multiple Personality Disorder

Edited by Richard P. Kluft, M.D., Ph.D., and Catherine G. Fine, Ph.D.

  • ISBN 978-0-88048-365-0
  • Item #8365

View Pricing

List Price
$120.00

APA Members
$96.00

20% off

APA Resident-Fellow Members
$90.00

25% off

Buying In Canada or Europe?

Description

The diagnosis of multiple personality disorder (MPD) entered the clinical mainstream with a rapidity and in a manner atypical for new descriptions of psychiatric illness. This book contains the most up-to-date information on MPD available written by experts in this field.

The first section is a memorial to Cornelia B. Wilbur, M.D., a pioneer in MPD treatment. It is full of personal accounts from people who knew her well. The second section deals with general issues in the treatment of MPD. It discusses basic principles in conducting the psychotherapy of MPD, posttraumatic and dissociative phenomena in transference and countertransference, and treatment of MPD as a posttraumatic condition. The third section goes on to give case studies that illustrate the application of techniques, approaches, and insights that are considered important in the treatment of MPD patients but are difficult to learn because they have not been documented in detail in the literature. Methods discussed include the use of Amytal interviews, play therapy, egoustate therapy, and the use of sand trays. The last section of the book discusses some of the contemporary concerns in the field (including consultation in the public psychiatric sector and the incidence of eating disorders in MPD patients), and on the recent history of the study of MPD.

Contents

  • Introduction: Cornelia B. Wilbur, M.D., and MPD in contemporary American psychiatry. A memorial for Cornelia B. Wilbur, M.D., in her own words. Appreciations of Cornelia B. Wilbur, M.D. Cornelia B. Wilbur, M.D.: an appreciation. My long-distance supervision with Cornelia B. Wilbur, M.D. The psychotherapy of MPD: general issues and concerns. Basic principles in conducting the psychotherapy of MPD. Posttraumatic and dissociative aspects of transference and countertransference in the treatment of MPD. Multiple posttraumatic personality disorder. Clinical approaches to the integration of personalities. A tactical integrationalist perspective on the treatment of MPD. Aids to the treatment of MPD on a general psychiatric inpatient unit. Case studies in the treatment of MPD: explorations in the therapeutic process. Dissociation in the inner city. Deinstitutionalization of patients with chronic MPD. The use of amytal interviews in the treatment of an exceptionally complex case of MPD. Observations on the role of transitional objects and transitional phenomena in patients with MPD. Play therapy with children with MPD. Ego-state therapy in the treatment of dissociative disorders. Use of sand trays in the beginning treatment of a patient with dissociative disorder. Contemporary issues and concerns in the study of MPD. MPD consultation in the public psychiatric sector. Eating disorders in survivors of multimodal childhood abuse. Eating disorders in patients with MPD. A history of MPD.

About the Authors

Richard P. Kluft, M.D., is Director of the Dissociative Disorders Program at The Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Catherine G. Fine, Ph.D., is Program Coordinator of the Dissociative Disorders Program at The Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The chapters on psychotherapy include basic principles, transference-countertransference issues, posttraumatic aspects, integration techniques, and inpatient treatment. It is here that the book reaches its zenith of clarity, utility, and classicity. There is no better guide to the conduct of the psychotherapy of multiple personality disorder in print.—American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis


This is an exceptional book with chapters by most of the world's authorities on treatment of MPD. Both beginning and advanced clinicians will find it practical and invaluable. I highly recommend it.—D. Corydon Hammond, Ph.D., A.B.P.H., University of Utah School of Medicine


This volume brings together some of the most outstanding workers in this area in an effort to, as Philip Coons M.D., so concisely puts it in his excellent chapter on multiple personality disorder (MPD) consultation in the public sector, 'demystify the disorder and say that it is not a 'special' disorder, nor are people who have MPD 'special patients'.—Hospital and Community Psychiatry


All in all, this is a very good book, with many practical diagnostic, psychosocial, and treatment ideas.—American Journal of Psychiatry


In addition to providing a solid center, the volume reflects the field's increasing depth and breadth. The book is highly readable, cover to cover.—Jon G. Allen, Ph.D., Senior Staff Psychologist, Trauma Recovery Program, The Menninger Clinic, Bulletin of the Menniger Clinic

Related Products

Become an APA Member
Join Now