Jason Aronson This book, written by psychiatrist August Piper, argues that the multiple personality diagnosis (MPD) is invalid. Piper also notes that the diagnosis is a fad because, while there were only 200 cases in the literature prior to 1980, today hundreds of such cases are diagnosed every year. He points out that the definition of MPD is vague, imprecise, and contradictory, and there is no way to rule out a diagnosis of MPD. Many MPD symptoms only appear after the patient has been in treatment with a therapist who specializes in dissociative disorders and some patients develop up to 4500 personalities. Some psychiatrists have even accused other psychiatrists as having the disorder. In nine highly readable chapters, Piper examines the flawed theories, logical inconsistencies, and irrational beliefs that are held by many dissociative specialists. He sharply criticizes the theory that dissociation develops as a defense against severe childhood trauma, noting that there is no way to corroborate the trauma memories, many of which are likely to be false and developed through therapy. However, therapists specializing in dissociative disorders accept this theory and look for dissociation in trauma victims and trauma in patients with dissociative disorders. Piper describes such therapists as "partners in a tango of suggestion," who may, unwittingly, create iatrogenic disorders, pseudomemories, and false confessions. He warns of the use of amytal interviews and hypnosis in retrieving memories, and his last paragraph compares the present MPD specialists to the physicians who recommended lobotomies. The book closes with a good bibliography and a helpful index. All mental health professionals and attorneys should read this book. Reviewed by LeRoy G. Schultz, Emeritus Professor, West Virginia University.
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