‘Multiple personality disorder’ presenting to the English courts: A case-study

Abstract

Multiple personality disorder is extremely uncommon in England and Wales, and appears to be virtually unknown as a presentation at court. A case is described in which an arrested man appeared in different personalities to the police, at court and in psychiatric hospital. The problems caused to legal and medical professionals are described. Recommendations are given as to how psychiatrists should deal with any further cases that might arise in a forensic setting in the United Kingdom.