System Terminology

Alter: Short for alternate identity/altered state of consciousness.

Structural dissociation: The theory that there are different states of consciousness which perform basic tasks that start to integrate before or during the ages of 6-9 years old, depending on the child and the interpretation of the theory. Trauma can stop integration from happening. Used to explain how systems form, but can also be applicable to PTSD, C-PTSD, and BPD.

System: A system is a network of dissociated altered identities that function to the same level of consciousness as people, animals, beings, or any other form they take on.


Singlet: Someone who isn't apart of a system.

Dissociation: A disconnect or in how you process information.

Derealization: The experience that you are detached from your surroundings

Depersonalization: The experience that your own body, thoughts, or emotions are detached from yourself.

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DSM 5 Diagnoses

DID: Dissociative Identity Disorder. Diagnosis is based off reporting of dissociation and altered states of consciousness. Systems with DID have stronger amnesia barriers than OSDD1.

OSDD: Otherwise specified dissociative disorder

Systems that aren't diagnosed with DID, are diagnosed with either OSDD1a or OSDD1b. 1a Meaning less distinct parts and more control through passive influence rather than fronting, 1b meaning less or no amnesia barriers. Some people can be diagnosed under OSDD1 if there is a combination.

UDD: Unspecified Dissociative Disorder. Used as a placeholder diagnosis for when there isnt enough information to place a specific diagnosis due to an emergency, the type of evaluation, or concerns of discrimination. Not everyone diagnosed with this is a system, But systems may be diagnosed with this as a checkpoint in progress and Are technically medically recognized.

DSM IV Diagnosis

DIDNOS: Dissociative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. This grouped in what is now known as both sections of OSDD and UDD together, if the system's presentation didn't fit DID.

DSM III Diagnosis

MPD: Multiple Personality Disorder. Contrary to what the name implies, this is not a personality disorder, and was classified as a dissociative disorder in the DSM III. This was a diagnosis that grouped both OSDD/DID together. Due to the misleading term, the system community does not want singlets or other systems who weren't diagnosed with MPD to use the term to describe being a system.

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Switching: Executive control is switched.

Front: The alter that is currently taking executive control.

Co-front: More than one alter taking executive control.

Co-con: More than one alter in the realm of consciousness.

Observing: Watching the external world but not interacting with who is fronting.

Inner world: Unaware of the external world.

Inactive alters: Alters that are rarely observing or are in co-con, but are existing in the inner world.

Dormancy: Alters that are inaccessible/non-communicative for long periods of time to even the inner world.

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Polyfragmented system: A system with many alters. This definition can vary from person to person, but It's agreed upon that any system with 100+ alters would be polyfragmented.

Passive influence: Thoughts, words, or actions influenced by another alter in co-con.

Headspace: A visualization of what alters see when they aren't fronting.

Apparently Normal Part: Parts of a person, or alters in a system that handle daily life. Can apply to other disorders caused by trauma.

Emotional Part: Parts of a person, or alters in a system that hold or handle things related to traumatic events. Can apply to other disorders caused by trauma.

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Host: The most prominent alter in a system.

Co-host: An alter that also has the role of host, but may be less prominent.

Introjects: Alters with the characteristics of an already existing person or character.

Fictives/Fictrojects: Alters who are introjects of fictional characters.

Factives/Factrojects: Alters who are introjects of real people.

Persecutors: Alters who act out against others or themselves.

Protectors: Alters who protect the body or other alters in the system.

Avengers: Alters who's purpose is to get back at their abuser(s) or trauma.

Littles: Child alters. Age can vary, but most agree on below 13.

Caregiver: Alters who care for other alters or people.

Internal helpers: Alters that are informed in how the system works. Gatekeepers are an example of this.

Gatekeepers: A type of internal self helper that controls who switches or holds memories.

Trauma holders: Hold traumatic memories or traumatic emotions/sensations associated with those memories for the system's safety.

Fragment: An alter that doesn't have a fully developed sense of self. They may represent a single emotion or personality trait, or are there for one job. This is common in polyfragmented systems.

Original: An original alter that, because of trauma, stayed unintegrated.

Core: An alter that existed before the initial split. The system community doesn't use it as often as original due to multiple reasons. Not to be confused with the kin term selfhood.

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Blurry: Used by systems to describe when whoever is fronting is unknown. It can be a form of depersonalization.

Fakeclaim: To say someone is faking a disorder, in the system community's context it would be DID/OSDD

Splitting: When a new alter is involuntarily formed. It can be due to stress, trauma, or a role that's currently needed.

Integration: When two or more alters combine together into a single identity.

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