The Real Life Case Of Sybil

The theory of multiple personality disorder is not a recent discovery, this theory has gained much recognition in the past decades. Throughout history cases of demonic possession have been reported and since the beginning of the eighteenth century there was a rise of complex medical conditions.
"the most important clinical case of multiple personality in the twentieth century”

The case of Sybil Isabel Dorsett is amongst one of the most famous dissociative identity disorder cases. This case gained recognition after the publication of the book ‘Sybil’ based on a true life story of a young woman who exhibited approximately sixteen distinct personalities. ‘Sybil’ written by Rheta Schreiber was a bestselling book and equally was the film starring Sally Field.

John Bowlby, a psychoanalysist like Freud, believed that psychological problems could be a result of maternal deprivation, stating that the first six years of a child’s life are the critical point of their socialisation. The consequence of this could be long term and may result in a number of issues such as reduced intelligence, increased aggression, depression and affectionless psychopathy.

This appears to be the case of Sybil as she was a victim of horrific abuse inflicted by her mother. As a result of this she developed an alter ego which embodied feelings that she could not deal with. Sybil suffered countless memory lapses and blackouts.

Dr. Wilbur, a neurologist came across Sybil and helped her integrate her personas after sixteen years of therapy. After great research, interviews, hypnosis and other therapeutic interventions Dr. Wilbur was able to get to the source of Sybil’s anguish.

The Academy Award Winning Film Sybil was recommended to me by many people. I had not had the chance to see the film myself til a while ago. The role of Sybil which is interpreted by Sally Field is vividly portrayed. From the beginning to the end it is extremely engaging, heartbreaking tale. It’s impossible not soften hearts.