DID is a controversial disorder that has been a subject of debate, especially with regard to its status within the DSM-5.

Treatment Credibility/Recognition: A significant contributor to this ambiguity and controversy is the fact the perception that DID could be iatrogenic (the treatment and diagnosis induces the symptoms of the disorder). One course of treatment is dialectical behavioural therapy, and people having DID could be more susceptible to hypnosis- bringing the validity and clarity of the outcomes through such treatments into question. Perhaps the suggestion of a particular cause could drive the patients to believe that to be the case.

Complication in Treatment: Given its overlap with other disorders like Borderline Personality Disorder and PTSD, there is a tendency to over diagnose DID which confuses the treatment and attention provided to an already susceptible patient. Often times, when people do seek help for DID they could be in a particular personality or state where they have lost touch with reality, hence making it difficult to treat or diagnose accurately in that moment as well.

Another potentially controversial aspect of treatment is the emergence of multiple personality states during treatment sessions. While treating and understanding various (especially dominant) personality traits has proven to be effective in integration and coping, the way in which a therapist responds or treats more antisocial or risky personality traits should not be dismissive. Given the potential causes of the disorder, it is important to recognise the value of each personality as a defence or escape.