No, people with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) do not always have all of their personalities (alters) present and active, even when they are unconscious or asleep. The presence and activity of alters can vary depending on the individual's internal state, stress level, and other factors.
In DID, different alters can take control of the person's consciousness and behavior at different times. When one alter is in control (commonly referred to as being "in the front" or "fronting"), the others may not be aware of what is happening or may experience periods of amnesia for that time.
During sleep or periods of unconsciousness, only one alter is typically "fronting," and the others are not actively present. This means that a person with DID may not experience the presence of all their alters simultaneously throughout the day or during sleep.
The transitions between alters (also known as "switching") can occur spontaneously, triggered by stress, specific situations, or as a part of the person's coping mechanisms. When one alter takes over, it may result in periods of amnesia for the actions or experiences of other alters during that time.
It's essential to understand that DID is a complex and unique mental health condition. The experience of alters and the ways they interact can vary significantly among individuals with DID. Treatment for DID often involves therapy aimed at integration, fostering communication among alters, and addressing the underlying trauma that led to the development of dissociative identities.