Books Quote by Richard P. Kluft
![“clinical literature is virtually unanimous that full MPD [Multiple Personality Disorder] cannot be created iatrogenically. There is no evidence that such a case has been demonstrated; clinicians of widely different orientations have studied the available information and arrived at similar…” quote by Richard P. Kluft](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/41f/richard-p-kluft-44450_books_clinical-literature-is-virtually-unanimo_296516.jpg)
““clinical literature is virtually unanimous that full MPD [Multiple Personality Disorder] cannot be created iatrogenically. There is no evidence that such a case has been demonstrated; clinicians of widely different orientations have studied the available information and arrived at similar conclusions (e.g., Braun, 1984; Gruenewald, 1984; Kernberg, in press; Kluft, 1982; Putnam, 1989). Nonetheless, most of these observers have noted that many of the phenomena of MPD can be created quite readily, and that phenomena with striking superficial resemblance to MPD can be generated with relatively little effort. In fact, I noted in passing (Kluft, 1986a) that I had replicated the interventions of Harriman (1942,1943), Leavitt (1947), and Kampman (1976), and found the resultant phenomena clearly distinguishable from clinical MPD. (from Kluft, R. P. (1989). Dissociation: Vol. 2, No. 2, p. 083-091: Iatrongenic creation of new alter personalities)””
About This Quote
Source Book: Dissociation Volume 2, 1989
Multiple personality disorder cannot be induced artificially, though similar symptoms can be simulated with minimal effort.
In simple terms: MPD isn’t created on purpose, but mimicry is easy.
Key Takeaway
Recognize genuine disorders versus fabricated presentations.
Themes
psychology
diagnosis
clinical research
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
clinical
educational
When to use this quote
- clinical assessment
- therapy planning
- forensic evaluation
- academic study
Key Concepts
iatrogenic effects
diagnostic criteria
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards prevent misdiagnosis?
- How to differentiate authentic symptoms from simulated ones?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on superficial signs can mislead diagnosis.
![“Interestingly, the patients who presented to me self-diagnosed [with Dissociative Identity Disorder] had tried to tell previous therapists of their plight, but had been disbelieved. These therapists had used fallacious "capricious criteria" (KIuft, 1988) to discredit the diagnosis; e.g., that the…” quote by Richard P. Kluft](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0cc/richard-p-kluft-44450_capricious_interestingly-the-patients-who-presented_680376.jpg)
![“Multiple personality [Dissociative Identity Disorder] should also not be confused with alternations of mood from happy to sad, characteristic of the cyclic temperament. These are merely emotional swings; personality splits are far more comprehensive.” quote by Ralph Slovenko](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a21/ralph-slovenko-120096_alter-personalities_multiple-personality-dissociative-identi_3105895.jpg)
