Dissociative Identity Disorder Workup

  • Author: Muhammad Waseem, MD; Chief Editor: Caroly Pataki, MD   more...
 
Updated: May 11, 2012
 

Laboratory Studies

Although no laboratory studies are specifically indicated for the diagnosis of dissociative disorder, studies can be performed to check for abuse.

  • Obtain screening tests in all cases of bruising to rule out a bleeding diathesis, but remember that children with bleeding problems may also be abused.
  • Screen urine and stool for blood if abdominal trauma is suspected.
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Imaging Studies

As with laboratory studies, no imaging studies are indicated for the diagnosis of dissociative disorder; however, results of imaging studies can indicate abuse.

  • A bone survey consisting of multiple views of the skull, thorax, long bones, hands, feet, pelvis, and spine is necessary with children younger than 2 years if abuse is suspected. If suspicion is strong, repeat the survey in 7-10 days to examine for healing or fractures not observed on the initial radiographs.
  • Bone scanning may be of value in detecting new fractures of hands, feet, or ribs. They are not valuable in detecting skull fractures.
  • Perform head CT scanning if the child has been severely injured.
  • Abdominal CT scanning may reveal damage to internal organs.
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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Muhammad Waseem, MD  Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine in Clinical Pediatrics, Weill Medical College of Cornell University; Consulting Staff, Department of Pediatrics, Bronx Lebanon Hospital; Consulting Staff, Department of Emergency Medicine, Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center

Muhammad Waseem, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Emergency Physicians, American Heart Association, and American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Muhammad Aslam, MD  Instructor in Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School; Staff Physician, Department of Medicine, Division of Newborn Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston

Muhammad Aslam, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, American Medical Association, Massachusetts Medical Society, and Southern Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Richard M Switzer, Jr, MD  Consulting Staff, Department of Pediatrics, Brooklyn Hospital Center

Richard M Switzer, Jr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics and American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Orlando Perales, MD  Associate Director of Pediatric Emergency Services, Department of Emergency Medicine, Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center

Orlando Perales, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Carol Diane Berkowitz, MD  Executive Vice Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Professor, Harbor-University of California at Los Angeles Medical Center

Carol Diane Berkowitz, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, Ambulatory Pediatric Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Emergency Physicians, American Medical Association, American Pediatric Society, and North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Mary L Windle, PharmD  Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Caroly Pataki, MD  Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Division Chair, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

Caroly Pataki, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York Academy of Sciences, and Physicians for Social Responsibility

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Carrie Sylvester, MD, MPH  Senior Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Sound Mental Health

Carrie Sylvester, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Caroly Pataki, MD  Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Division Chair, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

Caroly Pataki, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York Academy of Sciences, and Physicians for Social Responsibility

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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