FEATURED BLOG
Exploring Acupuncture ’ s Promising Impact on
TREATING SCHIZOPHRENIA AND DISSOCIATIVE IDENTITY DISORDER
By Brett Martin , DC , MPH , MSAc , Chief Clinician of National University ’ s Veteran ’ s Clinic in Florida
Schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder ( DID ) are serious mental health disorders that can have a significant impact on a person ’ s life . Many might not consider incorporating complementary and alternative medicine ( CAM ) as part of the treatment plan . However , new evidence is emerging about how acupuncture can successfully treat several mental illnesses like anxiety and depression . A case report published by NUHS faculty member Brett Martin , DC , MPH , MSAc , and a former intern shows promise for using acupuncture to treat both schizophrenia and DID , too .
The report titled , “ Inclusion of Acupuncture as an Adjunct Therapy in the Management of a Patient with Schizophrenia and Dissociative Identity Disorder ,” by Dr . Martin , and then intern , Rachel Wroblewski , explores using acupuncture to treat a 68-year-old male patient at NUHS ’ Whole Health Center in Florida , who was diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 25 and DID at age 53 .
Recently , Dr . Martin discussed schizophrenia and DID along with his effective approach for this patient .
WHAT ARE SCHIZOPHRENIA AND DISSOCIATIVE IDENTITY DISORDER ( DID )?
Schizophrenia is a disabling mental disorder that causes symptoms such as delusions , hallucinations , catatonic states , abnormal behaviors and distortion of speech . Individuals with schizophrenia are more likely to develop DID . While sometimes featured in movies , DID is not always accurately portrayed . The movie Split is one example . Unlike the movie , the main identity of the person along with the other personas are present at all times . The other personas will say things that change behavior and cognitive function . They may make the person self-conscious or paranoid . Unlike DID , schizophrenic patients do not experience another persona in their minds , occupying space .
While influenced by genetic factors , schizophrenia and DID can be caused by significantly traumatic events and chronic stress , particularly during childhood . Sometimes a patient will assign trauma experienced to a persona rather than themselves . It ’ s one way that the mind tries to cope in order to get on with life .
The patient in this case report experienced auditory hallucinations along with one or two personas , in addition to his main identity at any time , and as many as five others . At the beginning of his care , the personas were mostly negative , berating the patient , while one served as an ally providing guidance and protection but was not often present .
10 ALUMNEWS / SUMMER 2024