When a person with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) experiences a switch, which is the transition from one alter (identity state) to another, the previous alter goes "inside," while the new alter takes over the person's consciousness and behavior. This process is known as "switching" or "coming out."
When an alter goes "inside" during a switch, it means they recede from the person's consciousness and are no longer actively in control of the body and mind. They may still exist in the internal world of the individual, which is a complex system of dissociative identities, but they are not directly participating in the external world during that time.
The alter that takes over, often referred to as the "host" or "presenting identity," becomes the one in control of the person's actions and interactions with the external environment. The host may have a more integrated sense of self and a better grasp of their life history and experiences compared to some of the other alters. However, the host is just one of several dissociative identities in the person's system.
It's important to note that the experiences of individuals with DID can vary significantly. Some individuals may have a smooth and seamless switching process, while others may experience amnesia between alters or may struggle with co-consciousness, where two or more alters share awareness simultaneously. The way switching occurs and the level of amnesia between alters can differ depending on the individual and their specific system of identities.
DID is a complex and unique disorder, and the internal dynamics of each person's system can be different. Therapeutic approaches often focus on promoting communication, cooperation, and understanding among the different alters to increase overall stability and functionality.