In Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), the host refers to the identity or personality state that is most often present and interacts with the outside world. Alters (also known as alternate personalities or dissociative identities) are distinct identity states that exist within the same individual.
The experience of communication between alters can vary widely among individuals with DID. In some cases, the host may recognize that they are experiencing communication with another alter. They may have some awareness of the presence of other alters within their mind and may be able to identify them as separate parts of themselves.
However, in other cases, especially early in the diagnosis or when the individual is not yet aware of their condition, the communication between alters may not be recognized as such. Instead, it may feel like an internal dialogue or a sense of "voices" or conflicting thoughts without a clear understanding that these experiences are linked to distinct identity states.
It's important to understand that the experience of DID is highly individualized, and different alters can have varying levels of awareness of each other and the overall condition. Some alters may be more aware of the others and the host's life, while others may not have access to this information or may only be aware of their specific experiences.
Therapy for DID often involves increasing communication and cooperation between alters, helping them understand their roles, and working toward integration, where the separate identities merge into a more cohesive sense of self. This process can be complex and takes time, but it can lead to improved functioning and overall well-being for the individual with DID.