Sybil: the extraordinary story behind the famous multiple personality case

 by Debbie Nathan Much continues to be written about multiple personality disorder (MPD), now renamed dissociative identity disorder. Without much effort, readers can find information about the clinical phenomenology of MPD. It is the cases the personal stories that have etched MPD into the popular culture. Although the book Sybil was published in 1973, the name Sybil is still synonymous with this disorder. Now, award-winning journalist Nathan meticulously turns the iconic case on its head. To some degree, this is investigative journalism at its best. After all, who among us isn't fascinated by the myths, controversies, and comments that continue to accompany the story of Shirley Ardell Mason, aka Sybil ? Readers interested in popular culture and in the mental-health profession will not be disappointed. Neither will readers interested in following an unusual story back to its roots. Nathan does not attempt to provide a broad grounding in the recognition and treatment of MPD. Regardless, this much is clear: research evidence shows that MPD is quite common, and dissociation is a common feature of many other psychiatric disorders. --Booklist (Check catalog)