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NCT Number: NCT07663890

EXPLOration of Processes Involved in Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a psychological condition in which a person may feel as though they have multiple distinct personalities or identities. Today, this disorder is being discussed more and more, particularly among young people, partly due to its visibility on social media. However, researchers have observed that some individuals may mimic or exaggerate the symptoms, which makes it more difficult to understand the disorder.

The goal of this study is therefore to better understand:

* in which situations these identity shifts occur * what people feel at that moment * and what happens next To do this, researchers will interview approximately 60 people, some with a diagnosed DID and others exhibiting simulated symptoms.

Participants will complete questionnaires and take part in an interview. The researchers will analyze:

* the situations that trigger the changes * the associated thoughts and emotions * the behaviors * the consequences of these episodes

The ultimate goal is to better understand this disorder in order to:

* improve care * and better distinguish between genuine cases and feigned ones

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Key information

Conditions

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) Dissociative Disorders Dissociative Identity Disorder Mental Disorders

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Sophie Marek's Practice, Carvin, France

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About this study

This study falls within the field of dissociative disorders, and more specifically dissociative identity disorder (DID), whose clinical validity and mechanisms remain controversial, particularly due to the reported frequency of feigned symptoms.

Objective The primary objective is to identify the functional determinants of episodes of personality state change, whether genuine or feigned, within the framework of cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT).

The analysis is based on the SORC functional model:

  • S (Stimuli): triggering situations
  • O (Organism): cognitions, emotions, sensations, imagery
  • R (Response): operant behaviors
  • C (Consequences): short- and long-term effects Methodology An exploratory qualitative approach will be used, aimed at generating hypotheses for subsequent quantitative research.

Participants

  • N ≈ 60
  • 30 diagnosed with TDI
  • 30 simulated TDI
  • Multicenter recruitment
  • Inclusion: ≥ 18 years old, currently undergoing therapy Procedure

Participants will complete:

  • sociodemographic questionnaires
  • standardized scales:
  • dissociation (sDIS-Q)
  • dissociative beliefs (DSB)
  • knowledge about dissociation (KADS)
  • post-traumatic symptoms Then, a semi-structured qualitative interview will be conducted and recorded. Analysis
  • Thematic analysis of interviews
  • Data saturation approach
  • Cross-coding by raters Scientific objectives
  • Clarify the mechanisms of TDI
  • Identify functional patterns of dissociative episodes
  • Explore differences between genuine and feigned symptoms
  • Improve diagnostic validity and therapeutic interventions

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Individuals who report having Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
  • At least 18 years old
  • Currently receiving treatment from a therapist (psychologist or psychiatrist)

Exclusion criteria

  • Individuals under guardianship or court-ordered protection

Treatment and study plan

Questionnaire and Physical Exam

Other

5 standardized assessment tools measuring, respectively, dissociation (sDIS-Q; Vancappel, Chkili, et al., 2025), beliefs about dissociation (DSB; Vancappel et al., 2023), knowledge and skills related to dissociation (KADS; Vancappel, Chami, et al., 2025), psychotrauma (Ashbaugh et al., 2016), and dissociation simulation.

interview

Other

qualitative interview with the therapist they are already seeing

Primary outcomes

  1. Dissociative symptoms

    Time frame: baseline

    Questionnaire

  2. Beliefs about dissociation

    Time frame: baseline

    Questionnaire

  3. Skills and knowledge regarding dissociation

    Time frame: baseline

    Questionnaire

  4. Psychotraumatic symptoms

    Time frame: baseline

    Questionnaire

  5. How the TDI Works

    Time frame: baseline

    Qualitative interview

  6. Simulation

    Time frame: baseline

    Qualitative interview

  7. Dissociative symptoms

    Time frame: baseline

    Qualitative interview

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Lille University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

EXPLOration Des Processus à l'Origine du Trouble Dissociatif de l'Identité (TDI)(EXPLOTDI)

Acronym: EXPLO-DID

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2028
First posted
Jun 23, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 26, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

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This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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