Inaccuracies in Moon Knight's Representation of Dissociative Identity Disorder

While "Moon Knight" accurately depicts certain aspects of dissociative identity disorder (DID), there are several inaccuracies and misrepresentations that perpetuate common myths about the condition.

1. Steven's Self-Restraint:

2. In the series, Steven chains himself up at night to prevent himself from unintentionally harming others. This is a common misconception about DID. Self-restraint is not a typical symptom, and individuals with DID do not pose a greater risk of violence than the general population.

3. Steven's Lack of Awareness of Marc:

4. Initially, Steven is unaware of Marc's existence, while Marc is aware of Steven. Later, it's revealed that Marc is the host personality, which is inconsistent with common DID presentations. Typically, the host personality is aware of other alters, while alters may not be aware of each other.

5. Marc's Conscious Creation of Steven:

6. The show suggests that Marc consciously created Steven as a child to cope with trauma. However, DID is not a voluntary condition. Alters develop as a result of dissociation during severe childhood trauma, not as conscious decisions made by individuals.

7. Jake Lockley's Violent Characterization:

8. Jake Lockley, an alter of Marc, is depicted as a ruthless personality responsible for brutal killings. This perpetuates the harmful stigma that individuals with mental illness are inherently violent, a misconception not supported by research.

9. Limited Treatment Options:

10. The series does not adequately portray the range of treatment options available for DID. Newer treatment approaches prioritize integration and communication between alters rather than complete integration into a single personality. This focus enables individuals with DID to manage their condition and live fulfilling lives.

"Moon Knight" has the potential to increase awareness of DID, but it's essential to recognize and address these inaccuracies to prevent perpetuating harmful stereotypes and misunderstandings about the condition.