Yes, people with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) often have different memories and experiences of their childhoods across different identity states (formerly known as alters or personalities). DID is a complex and controversial condition characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identity states that control a person's behavior, thoughts, and emotions, leading to gaps in memory and consciousness.
Each identity state in a person with DID may have its own set of memories, emotions, and perceptions. As a result, some identities may have limited or no access to the memories of other identities. This phenomenon is known as "amnesic barriers" or "amnesic walls," and it occurs as a protective mechanism to shield the individual from distressing or traumatic experiences.
For example, if a traumatic event occurred during childhood, one identity may remember the event vividly, while another identity may have no recollection of it at all. These memory gaps can be quite significant and are a characteristic feature of DID.
The fragmentation of memory and consciousness in DID is one of the reasons why diagnosing and treating the disorder can be challenging. The distinct identities may have different perspectives, emotions, and coping mechanisms, making it difficult for the person to have a unified sense of self and continuity of their life experiences.
Therapy for individuals with DID typically involves helping them integrate their different identity states and work through the trauma and dissociative barriers to achieve better co-consciousness and a more integrated sense of self.