An Analysis of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: Split Personality Disorder or Primary/Secondary Personality Disorders?

Edgar Allan Poe's classic tale 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' is often interpreted to explore themes of duality, corruption, and morality. However, a closer examination through the lens of modern psychological diagnostics challenges traditional interpretations. In this analysis, we will explore whether Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde can be classified under the framework of primary and secondary personality disorders, particularly with a focus on dissociative identity disorder.

The Enigma of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Edgar Allan Poe's title 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' has long fascinated readers and scholars alike. The dichotomy between the well-respected physician Jerry J. Jekyll and the sinister Mr. Hyde is a central theme in the novel. While many interpretations focus on the themes of duality and morality, a psychological analysis of the character's behavior raises interesting questions about the nature of their existence.

Mind and Identity: Understanding Dr. Jekyll’s Split

Within the context of modern psychological diagnostics, the concept of a 'split personality' or split personality disorder (also known as dissociative identity disorder or DID) involves the presence of at least two distinct and separate identities or personalities. Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is listed as a personality disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which provides comprehensive guidelines for diagnosing mental health conditions.

Dr. Jekyll’s transformation into Mr. Hyde is a key element of the narrative. This transformation not only changes his external appearance but also his behavior, attitudes, and ethical stance. The question arises: can Dr. Jekyll be diagnosed with DID based on the behavioral criteria described in the novel?

Criteria for Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

Criterion A: Two or More Distinct Identities or States of Self

According to the DSM-5, a diagnosis of DID requires the presence of two or more distinct identity or personality states (some referred to as alters). Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde certainly exhibit different behaviors and personalities. Dr. Jekyll displays a professional and ethical demeanor, while Mr. Hyde embodies vice and criminal intent. This stark contrast in behavior could be interpreted as evidence of different identities.

Criterion B: Amnesia for Important Information

The DSM-5 also requires amnesia for important personal information or events that are too extensive to be explained by ordinary forgetfulness. In the novel, there is a suggestion that the transition between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is not voluntary and that Dr. Jekyll does not recall many of Mr. Hyde's actions. This amnesia aligns with the criteria for DID.

Criterion C: Integration of Identity

For a DID diagnosis, the individual must experience disturbances in the function of consciousness, memory, identity, or perception of the environment. In the novel, there is no clear indication that Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde share one unified self. Instead, they operate as two separate entities, each with distinct sets of beliefs, emotions, and actions.

Examination of Proof and Expert Opinions

Rather than a diagnosis of DID, some scholars have proposed that the nature of the split between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde may be more accurately described as a secondary personality disorder. In the context of How to Diagnose and Treat Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Comprehensive Guide for Professionals by David Spiegel and Jess Gilberg, secondary personality disorders refer to adaptive coping mechanisms that an individual may develop in response to trauma or stress.

Dr. Jekyll’s transformation into Mr. Hyde could be seen as an adaptive response to the pressures of his dual life. This hypothesis suggests that Mr. Hyde is not a distinct identity but a manifestation of a primary personality coping with stress or guilt. This fits with the behavioral criteria of making adaptive adjustments in response to overwhelming emotions or experiences. However, the exact delineation remains highly controversial and subject to interpretation.

Conclusion and Future Directions

While Dr. Jekyll's transformation in the novel The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde raises intriguing questions about identity and mental health, a strict application of modern psychological frameworks suggests that either DID or a secondary personality disorder might be more appropriate. The novel serves as a rich ground for further psychological analysis, offering insights into the complexities of the human psyche.

Keywords: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, dissociative identity disorder, personality disorders