In Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), the awareness of one alter (personality state) to another can vary widely among individuals. This is often referred to as "co-consciousness."
No Co-consciousness: In some cases, alters may not be aware of each other. When one alter is in control (fronting), they may have no knowledge of the existence of other alters or what happens when other alters are in control. This lack of awareness can lead to episodes of amnesia, where the person has gaps in their memory.
Limited Co-consciousness: Some individuals with DID experience partial co-consciousness. In this scenario, while one alter is in control, they may have vague awareness or "hear" the thoughts or emotions of another alter in the background, but the two identities may not have full access to each other's memories or experiences.
Full Co-consciousness: In rarer cases, there can be full co-consciousness, where alters are fully aware of each other and can communicate internally. They may share memories, emotions, and thoughts more freely. This level of communication can lead to a more integrated system where the alters work together more cohesively.
It's important to understand that DID is a complex and individualized condition, and co-consciousness can change over time and across different alters. Some systems may experience different levels of awareness depending on the circumstances or the level of trust and communication established among alters.
Therapy for DID often aims to improve communication and cooperation among alters and, in some cases, work towards integration, where alters merge into a more cohesive sense of self. However, the approach to treatment depends on the specific needs and experiences of the individual with DID.