When a person with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD), starts to recover, the experiences and outcomes for their alters (alternate identities or personalities) can vary widely. Recovery from DID is a complex and individualized process, and it typically involves therapeutic interventions and support from mental health professionals.
Here are some possible scenarios for what may happen to alters during the recovery process:
Integration: One possible outcome of recovery is the integration of alters. Integration refers to the process in which different identities within a person with DID merge together to form a cohesive sense of self. This may happen gradually as alters become aware of each other and work through their traumas collaboratively. Integration can lead to a more unified and functional individual with a more stable and consistent identity.
Co-consciousness: As part of the recovery process, alters may develop co-consciousness, meaning they become more aware of each other's presence and experiences. This heightened awareness allows them to communicate and cooperate with each other, reducing the amnesic barriers that typically exist between alters.
Collaboration and Cooperation: During the recovery process, alters may learn to work together, collaborate, and support each other in dealing with past traumas and current challenges. This cooperation can lead to improved overall functioning and coping skills.
Gradual Fading: In some cases, certain alters may gradually fade or become less prominent as the individual gains insight into their trauma and develops healthier coping mechanisms. This process may occur as the need for different identities to cope with distressing situations diminishes.
Residual Existence: Some alters may continue to exist even after significant progress in the recovery journey. Although they might not be as dominant or separate as before, they can still be present in the individual's consciousness and occasionally resurface in times of stress or distress.
Dissolution: In rare cases, specific alters may disappear entirely as the person resolves the underlying trauma or learns to cope without the need for that particular identity.
It is important to note that the recovery process for DID is highly individual, and not everyone with the disorder will experience the same outcomes. The relationship between alters and the overall healing process can be intricate and fluid, influenced by various factors, including the individual's support system, the quality of therapeutic interventions, and the nature of the past traumas.
Therapy for DID often involves a combination of techniques, such as psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-focused therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy, among others. The goal is to help the individual build coping skills, integrate experiences, and reduce dissociation to enhance overall functioning and well-being.