DOES BRITNEY SPEARS SUFFER FROM MULTIPLE PERSONALITY DISORDER?

Does Britney Suffer From Multiple Personality Disorder?

Just when you think you have heard and seen it all on the subject of Britney Spears, new information has surfaced that might shed some light on why the former pop princess has been exhibiting unusual behavior every time she is out in public. According to reports, sources claim the singer has multiple personalities, which may explain why Spears has been speaking with a British accent. Dr. Jenn Berman, a Beverly Hills-based marriage and family therapist (who does not treat Spears) and author of The A to Z Guide to Raising Happy Confident Kids, explains to Star what it means when someone has multiple personality disorder.

BASED ON BRITNEY'S BIZARRE BEHAVIOR AND REPORTS THAT SHE SPEAKS IN A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT VOICES IS IT POSSIBLE THE SINGER COULD BE SUFFERING FROM A MULTIPE PERSONALITY DISORDER?

"I can't say for sure because we don't know if Britney is taking drugs or using alcohol and if she were we could not make a proper diagnosis. When someone uses these substances the effects cause people to do things they normally might not do, including speaking in different voices since the mind is inhiberated."

WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF MULTIPLE PERSONALITY DISORDER?"

Having two or more personalities or identities. At least two of these identities can take total control of the person's behavior."

HOW LONG CAN AN EPISODE LIKE THIS LAST?

"It can vary. Some last a couple minutes and some can last up to a few weeks. When someone has an episode they do not have the ability to remember information and they tend to forget what they are talking about."

CAN MULTIPLE PERSONALITY DISORDER BE TREATED?

"If a person has multiple personality disorder they need to see a psychiatrist and be prescribed medication. Both of these treatments can greatly diminish the symptoms of multiple personality disorder. Stress levels also play a role on how often a person experiences an episode. If someone is under a tremendous amount of stress it's likely the person will have more episodes. In terms of how much medication one should take or if they should seek treatment at a facility or as an outpatient, that will vary depending on their level of functioning."

WHAT MIGHT TRIGGER MULTIPLE PERSONALITY DISORDER?

"There is no specific answer. Some people are born with it and sometimes is it a result of some sort of trauma."

CAN POSTPARTUM DESPRESSION TRIGGER SOMEONE TO HAVE MULTIPLE PERSONALITY DISORDER?

"If someone had postpartum psychosis it could trigger a multiple personality disorder.

" CAN SOMEONE FAKE HAVING A MULTIPLE PERSONALITY DISORDER?

"Yes. They can fake it by acting like they have different personalities, or acting as if they don't remember things, or they might do something completely bizarre. There is no way to know if someone is faking because if someone is putting on a show we need to see first hand what is going on behind closed doors. Something like this is easy to fake. Take Britney for example. If the cameras are on Britney she may choose to act one way as a means to keep getting attention and more publicity for herself. Although we don't view the publicity as good for her image, some people believe any publicity is good publicity."

IS HAVING MULTIPLE PERSONALITY DISORDER SELF-DESTRUCTIVE?

"Yes. Having multiple personality disorder can be harmful if untreated. If Britney is faking, it can be harmful to her reputation and in helping her with court case too." (Star Magazine)