What is Systemhood?

Systemhood refers to a phenomenon in which multiple identities (also known as alters or parts) are present in one body. The Sidran Institute notes that a person with dissociative identity disorder “feels as if they have within them two or more entities, each with its own way of thinking and remembering about themself and their life. It is important to keep in mind that although these alternate states may feel or appear to be very different, they are all manifestations of a single, whole person.”

The most important thing to remember when thinking about systemhood is that no human being has one totally integrated personality. Systemhood is an extreme manifestation of what we all experience to a much lesser degree. With systemhood, the boundaries between parts are much more rigid and the parts themselves appear much more distinct.¹

Systemhood is present in dissociative disorders such as DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder) or OSDD (Other Specified Dissociative Disorder). However, not all dissociatve disorders include systemhood as a symptom.