At first it may appear to be just an imaginary friend, but it never really goes away. To simplify the definition of an alter, many psychologists define it as: a personality that is different from a person's born personality. After becoming part of a person's mind, an alter can not grow or change. Keep in mind that DID can only be caused by a few things. However, there are many myths about DID that people should be aware of. Dissociative Identity Disorder is not caused by "sinful" behavior, possession by evil spirits, laziness, peer pressure, too much television, or poor relationships. ( Johnson 22). .
In the 1940's, a women by the name of Eve was diagnosed as the very first case of Dissociative Identity Disorder. Out of confusion, her husband brought her to a hospital after she attempted to hurt her daughter. Hurting anyone would have been out of the ordinary for the quiet and shy women he had married. While hospitalized Eve showed two distinctively different personalities that became known as Eve White and Eve Black. Eve White was the sweet and loving wife and mother. However, Eve Black was the exact opposite. Dancing the night away with numerous men was all she really seemed to be good at. That, and running off her obnoxious mouth. This person was someone that her husband had not yet encountered. Many psychologists explained to him what was wrong with her, but he believed it was all an act and they divorced. Late into the treatment process a new alter personality appeared in Eve. She called herself Jane and was polite. Having no memories or knowledge of the other alters, Jane played the role of what is known as an Inner Self Helper (this term will be explained later on). Shortly after Jane appeared, Eve White tried to commit suicide, but was stopped when Eve Black appeared and stopped her. After this, Eve White became depressed and began talking about death. Soon she appeared no more.