Yes, a person can have Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) even if their alters (alternate identities or personalities) do not frequently or ever "front." Fronting refers to an alter taking control of the person's behavior and consciousness, essentially becoming the one in control of the individual's actions and thoughts.
DID is a complex and chronic dissociative disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities within the same individual. These identities may have their own names, characteristics, memories, and ways of interacting with the world. However, not all alters in a person with DID need to front for the disorder to be diagnosed.
Dissociation, which is the core feature of DID, involves a disruption in the normal integration of consciousness, memory, identity, and perception of the environment. This can manifest in various ways, including memory gaps, feelings of detachment, identity confusion, and, in the case of DID, the presence of distinct alters.
Fronting is just one aspect of how alters can be experienced, but it's not a requirement for a DID diagnosis. Some individuals with DID may experience their alters as voices or as internal presences without those identities fully taking control of the person's actions or behaviors.
The presence of distinct alters and the disruption in the individual's sense of self and identity are critical factors in diagnosing DID, even if some alters don't front or take control of the person's behavior. It's important to remember that DID is a complex and often misunderstood disorder, and diagnosis and treatment should be carried out by qualified mental health professionals experienced in working with dissociative disorders.