systems

DDNOS-1 is Dissociative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified that mimics DID. The most common difference between DDNOS-1 and DID is that someone with DDNOS-1 has no memory alteration between alters.  The alters present may be less separate and fully developed than those possible with DID, or the alter like states may be unable to take over the body, existing only inside the mind. Someone with DID may have alters with different allergies or that require a different glasses prescription, but such physical differences are unlikely to be found in those with DDNOS-1 (so far as I’m aware). Those with DDNOS-1 won’t black out or lose time when switching between alters.

In many cases, making the distinction between DDNOS-1 and DID is irrelevant. It can be difficult to determine, sometimes, the difference between a system with DDNOS-1 and a system with abnormally good co-conscious, and the treatment for both is the same. The distinction is only really relevant when discussing time loss or for cases in which the alters in DDNOS-1 are less developed, possibly presenting without names or separate senses of self. In the later case, treating the alters as one might treat alters in a DID system may be unnecessarily strengthening divisions between them and reinforcing their separation.

Keep in mind that DDNOS-1 is only one possible type of DDNOS. Other was to receive the DDNOS diagnosis include Ganser’s Syndrome or derealization unaccompanied by depersonalization.

It should be mentioned as well that DDNOS was replaced by ODSS in the DSM-V, but the criteria seems to be the same.