Depersonalization Derealization Disorder

About Depersonalization Derealization Disorder

Depersonalization derealization disorder involves persistent or recurrent experiences of depersonalization, derealization or both. Depersonalization is a sense of unreality or detachment from thoughts, feelings, sensations, the body or actions, often described as feeling like an outside observer of oneself, emotionally numb, or as if on autopilot. Derealization is a sense that the surroundings are unreal, dreamlike, foggy, lifeless or visually distorted. Throughout these experiences reality testing remains intact, meaning the person knows the experiences are not literally true, which distinguishes the condition from psychosis. Brief episodes of depersonalization are common, particularly during stress, fatigue or substance use, and the disorder is diagnosed only when experiences are persistent and cause significant distress or impairment. Onset is usually in adolescence or early adulthood, and some people report childhood emotional maltreatment, severe stress, panic attacks or drug use such as cannabis around the time of onset. The condition often co occurs with anxiety and depression and can be difficult to put into words, which contributes to delays in diagnosis. No medication is approved specifically for the disorder. Treatment usually involves psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral approaches that address anxious monitoring of symptoms, grounding techniques, and treatment of co occurring anxiety or depression.