I thought it would be helpful to explain some of the common words you hear when reading about DID. This is by no means exhaustive so if there is a phrase that you have heard and it’s not here just ask and I’ll try to answer.

• DID- Dissociative Identity Disorder- formerly called MPD.
• MPD- Multiple Personality Disorder- condition in which a person has more than 1 distinct identity or personality state
• alter- (also called insiders by some) -refers to the different personalities
• Host person- this is the person who was born with the body’s name. Also called the Big
• switching- this refers to the changing of the different personality who is “front” or presenting
• losing time- this refers to what happens when another personality switches out front and the Host person is unaware of what is happening.
• integration- this is the joining together of personalities into one
• cooperation-this is an option besides integration where the Host person and the personalities remain separate individuals but work together as one.
• co-consciousness- refers to the Host being aware when an alter is front and what they are doing.