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Kirby is the main character in the video game series that bears his name. He lives in Dream Land and is generally a happy-go-lucky little pink blob. When conflict arrives, however, Kirby is an adept fighter. His main form of offense is to inhale his enemies (some of which are larger than he is) and either spit them out or swallow them. If he swallows them he appears to take on their identity and acquires a special move. He uses this technique to protect his homeland from nefarious ne'er-do-wells.
It should be noted that I have not interviewed Kirby in person. However, after examining hours of data provided over many years by multiple sources, my diagnosis can be made with a reasonable degree of confidence.
My initial diagnostic impressions include:
-Dissociative Identity Disorder
BULIMIA NERVOSA, PURGING TYPE
The essential features of Bulimia Nervosa are binge eating and inappropriate compensatory methods to prevent weight gain.
Diagnostic Criteria:
A: Recurrent episodes of binge eating. An episode of binge eating is characterized by both of the following:
(1) eating, in a discrete period of time (e.g., within any 2-hour period), an amount of food that is definitely larger than most people would eat during a similar period of time and under similar circumstances.
(2) a sense of lack of control over eating during the episode (e.g., a feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much one is eating)
B: Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behavior in order to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting; misuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas, or other medications; fasting; or excessive exercise.
C: The binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors both occur, on average, at least twice a week for 3 months.
D: Self-evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight.
E: The disturbance does not occur exclusively during the episodes of Anorexia Nervosa.
Analysis of Criteria
Kirby appears to meet criteria A1 inasmuch as he will frequently ingests entire animals in less than a second. This is definitely more than most people would eat during a similar time. It is unclear if Kirby experiences a sense of lack of control during the episode (criteria A2). It appears that he probably does not, as he is able to stop eating as quickly as he starts.
Though Kirby often swallows his prey, he occasionally will spit it back out (criteria B). It is unclear if this purging is in an effort to prevent weight gain. It could be argued that, due to his current physique, Kirby does not appear concerned with gaining weight. However, contrary to the beliefs of many people with Bulimia Nervosa, most of the calories obtained from food are absorbed within a short period of time and purging the food often does little to reduce caloric intake. In effect, many people with Bulimia Nervosa experience weight gain. Kirby may have experienced this despite his frequent purging.
Kirby engages in binge-purging behaviors very frequently, including several times per hour (criteria C). It is uncertain if Kirby's self evaluation is unduly influenced by his body shape and weight (criteria D). Due to his shape, it can be conjectured that Kirby does not meet criteria for Anorexia Nervosa (Criteria E).
Though Kirby engages in bingeing and purging behaviors, he does not appear to meet the criteria for Bulimia Nervosa in the strictest sense. Specifically, he does not appear to experience a lack of control while binging and his evaluation of himself does not appear to be influenced by his body shape. Though he does not meet criteria for Bulimia Nervosa, his binging and purging behaviors may be problematic. A diagnosis of "Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified" may be appropriate. Of the types of possible behavior specifically listed under this "catch-all" eating disorder is "Repeatedly chewing and spitting out, but not swallowing, large amounts of food."
DISSOCIATIVE IDENTITY DISORDER
The essential feature of Dissociative Identity Disorder is the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states that recurrently take control of behavior.
Diagnostic Criteria:
A: The presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states (each with its own relatively enduring pattern of perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the environment and self).
B: At least two of these identities or personality states recurrently take control of the person's behavior.
C: Inability to recall important personal information that is too extensive to be explained by ordinary forgetfulness.
D: The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance or a general medical condition.
Analysis of Criteria
After Kirby swallows his foes he appears to assume their identity. Each of these identities has it's own appearance and mannerisms, but it is unclear if they have their own "pattern of perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the environment and self" (criteria A). He has well over 100 such identities (criteria B). Kirby does not appear to forget important personal information while assuming a different identity, as evidenced by the fact that he maintains his goals and "quest" while shifting personalities. Kirby does not appear to be disabled or high on drugs (criteria D).
Dissociative Identity Disorder presents as a person being somewhat aware of the fact that they routinely assume different identities, but each identity is usually unaware of the activities of the others. In short, a person dissociates while another identity is present. This does not appear to be the case with Kirby. Rather than dissociating, Kirby appears to consciously mimic the appearance and actions of others. This mimicry appears to serve a functional purpose in his daily activities rather than simply a way of coping with intense emotions (as is typically the case with DID). Why Kirby elects to mimic his food is uncertain.
Final Diagnosis:
Axis I: 307.50 Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
Axis II: V71.09 No Diagnosis on Axis II
Axis III: Deferred to medical personnel, possibly overweight
Axis IV: Discord with neighbors
Axis V: GAF=94