Dissociative identity (multiple personality) disorder in Poland: a clinical case description and diagnostic difficulties.

Purpose: Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is characterized by the presence of a minimum of two identities. Each identity has different fixed patterns of perception, establishing relationships, and thinking about itself and the environment in which it lives. The etiology of dissociative identity disorder is still not fully understood. The aim of the study is to review the literature on the psychopathology and diagnostics of DID and to describe the clinical case of a patient with co-existing DID and paranoid schizophrenia. Case description: The male patient discussed in the article is characterized by the presence of three separate identities (the dominant male personality, and two additional personalities, male and female). The main personality informing about the existence of the others is the female personality, with a female name. Comment: Psychiatrists and psychologists, as well as doctors of other specialties, should have knowledge about the symptomatology of dissociative identity disorder in order to have a holistic approach to patient care.

Selective mutism - an overview of the condition and etiology: is the absence of speech just the tip of the iceberg? / Mutyzm wybiórczy ­ opis zaburzenia i etiologia: czy wybiórczy brak mowy jest zaledwie wierzcholkiem góry lodowej?

The inability to speak in certain situations, as one may briefly characterize selective mutism (SM), according to the most recent classifications (DSM-5, ICD-11) belongs to the anxiety disorder spectrum. The onset of mutism in early childhood may impair further development and adversely affect educational achievements. It is essential that psychiatrists, as well as other physicians, speech therapists, nurses and teachers are familiar with this disorder, since the early start of treatment is associated with better prognosis. This literature review aims to present the contemporary view of this relatively rare psychopathological syndrome. In light of most recent studies on the etiology of SM, the sole symptom of mutism appears to represent an underlying heterogenic group of disorders. Based on the developmental psychopathology, the interrelations between overlapping abnormalities favor SM manifestation in some crucial moment in an individual's life. The etiologic complexity strongly suggests multimodal approach in the diagnostic and treatment process, which has been postulated by many authors.