Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

What is a potential nursing diagnosis for a patient with Dissociative Identity Disorder?

1. Risk for injury

2. Disturbed personal identity

3. Impaired social interaction

4. Chronic low self-esteem

The correct answer is: Disturbed personal identity

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or an experience of possession. Individuals with DID often have a fragmented sense of self, which can lead to significant challenges in establishing a coherent identity. This condition is typically rooted in severe trauma during early childhood, which manifests as dissociation and varying degrees of identity disturbance. The diagnosis of "Disturbed personal identity" is particularly relevant and appropriate because it encapsulates the core issue faced by individuals with DID—their struggle with a fragmented identity and the inability to integrate the various aspects of their self. This diagnosis emphasizes the disconnection and confusion around their sense of self that these patients experience, making it central to their treatment and care. While potential nursing diagnoses like "Risk for injury," "Impaired social interaction," and "Chronic low self-esteem" could also be applicable in specific contexts, they do not capture the primary challenge that individuals with DID face as specifically as "Disturbed personal identity." These other diagnoses might reflect secondary effects or complications arising from DID, but they do not directly address the identity issues that are fundamentally tied to the diagnosis itself. Therefore, recognizing "Disturbed personal identity" as a nursing diagnosis is essential for tailoring appropriate interventions