Final answer:
Multiple personality disorder is now known as dissociative identity disorder (DID), which is the presence of two or more distinct identity states controlling an individual's behavior and accompanied by memory gaps.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Dissociative Disorders
Multiple personality disorder is a term previously used to describe a condition where an individual exhibits two or more distinct identities or personality states. This condition is now officially known as dissociative identity disorder (DID). It is part of a group of conditions called dissociative disorders that affect the person's sense of self.
The other options listed, such as depersonalization, selective amnesia, and dissociative fugue, are also types of dissociative disorders, but they have different symptoms and diagnostic criteria. Depersonalization involves persistent or recurrent feelings of detachment from one's self, while selective amnesia refers to the inability to recall important personal information. Dissociative fugue is characterized by sudden, unexpected travel away from home combined with an inability to recall the past. Dissociative identity disorder, however, specifically refers to the presence of two or more distinct identity states that control an individual's behavior at different times, accompanied by an inability to recall personal information beyond what is expected through normal forgetfulness.
Research on DID suggests that it is a complex and somewhat controversial condition. For instance, an article by Piper and Merskey (2004) critically examines DID, while Putnam et al. (1986) provide a review of clinical cases. Understanding of this and other mental health conditions continuously evolves, as reflected in updates to mental health classification systems like the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).