Like do they share memories, do the personalities switch gradually or instantly, are they just more irritable or more calm like bipolar or is it functionally completely different people?
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Split personality disorder is not a term used in the psychiatric field. The term refers to one of the Dissociative Disorders listed in the DSM-5, usually Dissociative Identity Disorder.
Some experts do not believe the condition exists while others believe as much as 1 in 100 people live with it.
Most people with DID have a history of severe childhood trauma. An estimated 90% of people with DID have a history of neglect or abuse. The condition can arise when a child dissociates as a defense mechanism to escape an intolerable reality.
DID is difficult to identify in a psychiatric setting, and is usually only diagnosed after other more common conditions are ruled out.
Now, to answer your actual questions: alternate personalities may or may not share memories. It depends on the dissociative disorder. The speed of a switch depends on the person and the trigger for the switch. They could present as simply different versions of the same person or as completely distinct personalities. Again, it depends on the subset.
Anyone who truly believes they have more than one personality should seek out a mental health professional. It is a serious concern and should be assessed by those qualified to do so.
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