Depersonalization / Derealization Disorder
Sometimes, a person might feel detached from their body, as if watching themselves from a distance, or feel like their body belongs to someone else. They might feel like they're living in a dream, that the world around them is unreal or blurry. These passing experiences are called "depersonalization and derealization." They're common, even though they may seem complicated to those who haven't experienced them. Usually, these experiences aren't illnesses, but when they persist, recur, and interfere with life, they become a disorder that requires intervention and treatment.
What is Depersonalization / Derealization Disorder?
Depersonalization/derealization disorder (DDD) is a mental health condition characterized by a persistent or recurrent feeling of being disconnected from the self mentally or physically (depersonalization), disconnected from reality and surroundings (derealization), or both. Throughout these experiences, individuals remain aware of reality and recognize that their sensations are unusual, prompting concerns about their mental well-being. These episodes can disrupt their work performance, social relationships, and daily life.
The symptoms typically start in the teenage years and rarely occur after age 25. Episodes can last for hours, days, weeks, or even months.
Symptoms of DDD:
Symptoms of depersonalization include:
Feeling like you're observing your thoughts, feelings, body, or actions from the outside body.
Feeling emotionally or physically numb.
Feeling unable to control, as if you're a robot.
Feeling a distortion in body shape.
Feeling disconnected from memories and struggling with recalling them.
Symptoms of derealization include:
Feeling like people and surroundings are unfamiliar as if you're in a movie or a dream.
Feeling emotionally disconnected from people you care about.
Feeling like your surroundings are unreal or seem blurry, flat, or unusually clear.
Feeling as though time is speeding up or slowing down.
Unrealistic thoughts about distance and the size and shape of objects.
Feeling frustrated and anxious about mental health.
Individuals remain aware of reality and recognize that their perceptions aren't real during these episodes.
The conditions aren't caused by the physiological effects of substances like drugs or as a symptom of another physical or mental disorder, such as seizure and posttraumatic stress disorder.
Causes of DDD
The exact cause of DDD is unknown, but research suggests that biological, psychological, and environmental factors may play a role in triggering this disorder. It usually occurs as a result of exposure to traumas or severe pressures, such as physical or emotional abuse, neglect, specifically those that occur during childhood, as well as domestic violence, the sudden death of a loved one, wars or natural disasters, intense personal or economic stress, and in some severe cases of anxiety and depression.
Dissociation occurs as a defense mechanism, where the mind seeks to adapt and protect itself by reducing the intensity of feelings or memories associated with traumatic events.
Treatment for DDD
Treatment for DDD mainly relies on Psychotherapy, which may include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps individuals analyze and change negative thoughts, learn techniques to enhance self-awareness and communication with themselves and their surroundings, and develop healthy coping strategies.
Psychodynamic Therapy helps individuals deal with internal psychological conflicts and negative emotions related to past psychological traumas that contributed to the development of symptoms.
There is no specific medication for treating DDD. However, a treatment plan may include medications to alleviate symptoms associated with the condition, such as depression and anxiety.
Seeking treatment provides opportunities for complete recovery from the disorder, helps overcome pain and suffering, and effectively deals with stressors.