Depersonalization

Depersonalization is a mental disorder characterized by persistent or recurrent feelings of being detached (dissociated) from one’s body or mental processes. It is often accompanied by a sense of unreality and changes in self-perception, such as feeling as if you are in a dream or a movie.

Symptoms

Depersonalization symptoms can be distressing and may include:

• Feeling detached from your physical body
• Feeling as if your body, legs or arms appear distorted, enlarged or shrunken, or that your head is wrapped in cotton
• Emotional or physical numbness of your senses or responses to the world around you
• A sense that your memories lack emotion, and that they may or may not be your own memories

Causes

Depersonalization is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. This can include severe stress, trauma, or the use of recreational drugs.

Treatment

Treatment for depersonalization can involve psychotherapy, medication, and self-care techniques. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals to understand and change thought patterns leading to depersonalization and derealization.

See also

• Derealization
• Dissociative disorders
• Cognitive behavioral therapy

External links

• Mayo Clinic - Depersonalization-derealization disorder

Depersonalization Resources
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