ItemArticle

The Role of Psychoactive Drugs in the Onset of Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Comparative Study of Alcohol and Drug Abusers

Title
The Role of Psychoactive Drugs in the Onset of Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Comparative Study of Alcohol and Drug Abusers
Creator
Shah, Ayushi Viren; Singh, Varsha
Description
Psychoactive substances influence mood, cognition, and personality, with emerging synthetic drugs presenting new challenges. This study examines the impact of psychoactive drug use on the development of dissociative identity disorder (DID), comparing alcohol and drug abusers. A total of 120 participants (60 alcohol abusers, 60 drug abusers) from Suman Ellen Trust in Bangalore were assessed using standardized psychological instruments, including the Addiction Severity Index, Dissociative Disorders Interview Schedule, Drug Abuse Screening Test, and Dissociative Experiences Scale. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating both quantitative (ANOVA, Pearson correlation) and qualitative (thematic analysis) methodologies to analyze dissociative symptoms and substance use patterns. Findings revealed a significant difference in DID prevalence between alcohol and drug abusers (F = 55.88, p <.01), with drug abuse showing a strong positive correlation with dissociative symptoms (r = 0.790, p <.01). The study highlights the need for integrated clinical approaches addressing both substance use disorders and dissociative pathology. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to clarify causal mechanisms and develop targeted intervention strategies. 2026 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Source
Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly;
Date
01-01-2026
Publisher
Routledge
Subject
alcohol dependence; dissociative identity disorder; mental health; mixed method study; Psychoactive drugs; substance abuse
Coverage
Shah A.V., Department of Psychology, Kateel Ashok Pai Memorial Institute, Shivamogga, India; Singh V., Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, Christ University, Bengaluru, India
Rights
Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
Relation
ISSN: 7347324; CODEN: ATQUE
Format
online
Language
English
Type
Article

Citation

Shah, Ayushi Viren; Singh, Varsha, “The Role of Psychoactive Drugs in the Onset of Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Comparative Study of Alcohol and Drug Abusers,” CHRIST (Deemed To Be University) Institutional Repository, accessed June 18, 2026, https://archives.christuniversity.in/items/show/22662.

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