: Gaps in memory that go beyond ordinary forgetfulness, often involving daily activities, personal history, or traumatic events.

: Symptoms that cause significant distress or interfere with daily life, including relationships and work.

The Cleveland Clinic identifies the primary symptoms of DID as:

: In early childhood (typically before age 6), when a child's identity is still integrating, extreme stress can cause them to "compartmentalize" or "go away" mentally to survive unbearable pain.

: The existence of two or more separate identities, each with unique memories, behaviors, and ways of perceiving the world.