Yes, people with dissociative identity disorder (DID), formerly known as multiple personality disorder, can interact with their alters. Alters, also known as alternate identities or personalities, are distinct parts of the same person's psyche, each with its own unique characteristics, memories, and behaviors. Interactions between the person and their alters can take various forms, depending on the individual's experiences and level of dissociation.
Internal Communication: Many individuals with DID experience internal communication with their alters. This can involve thoughts, emotions, or even conversations happening within the person's mind. They may have a sense of knowing what an alter is thinking or feeling, even though the alter is not in control of the body.
Co-consciousness: Co-consciousness refers to a state in which two or more alters are aware of each other and share awareness of the present moment. During co-consciousness, alters may communicate with each other internally, and sometimes the person with DID may also be partially aware of the ongoing thoughts and actions of the alter in control.
Switching: Switching occurs when one alter takes control of the body from another. This transition may be smooth or abrupt and can involve various degrees of amnesia between alters. Some people with DID may have amnesia for the time when another alter is in control, while others may have more seamless transitions and memory sharing.
Cooperation and Collaboration: In some cases, alters may learn to cooperate and collaborate with each other. They might work together to manage daily life, share responsibilities, and support each other through challenging situations.
External Communication: Some individuals with DID may experience external communication with their alters, which means they can consciously communicate with each other out loud, as if holding a conversation with another person.
Journaling or Artistic Expression: Some individuals find that journaling or engaging in artistic expression, such as drawing or writing, can be a way for alters to communicate with each other and express their thoughts and feelings.
It's essential to recognize that DID is a complex and individualized disorder. Not everyone with DID experiences their alters in the same way, and the relationships between alters can vary greatly. Therapy, particularly specialized treatments such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), can help individuals with DID develop healthy communication and coping strategies, foster cooperation between alters, and work towards integration if that is a desired goal.