Depersonalization/derealization disorder

=Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder = Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder (DDD) is a dissociative disorder characterized by persistent or recurrent feelings of detachment from one's own body or mental processes (depersonalization) and/or a sense of unreality or detachment from the external world (derealization). These experiences can be distressing and impair daily functioning.

Symptoms

Individuals with DDD may experience:

• Depersonalization: A feeling of being an outside observer of one's thoughts, feelings, or body. It may feel as though one is in a dream or watching oneself from outside.
• Derealization: A sense that the external world is unreal, distorted, or dreamlike. Objects may appear blurry, colorless, or artificial.
• Emotional Numbing: A reduced ability to feel emotions or a sense of emotional detachment.
• Time Distortion: A feeling that time is moving too slowly or too quickly.

Causes

The exact cause of DDD is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Potential causes include:

• Stress and Trauma: Severe stress, trauma, or abuse can trigger dissociative symptoms.
• Neurological Factors: Abnormalities in brain function, particularly in areas related to perception and emotion, may contribute.
• Psychological Factors: Anxiety and depression are often associated with DDD.
• Substance Use: Certain drugs, particularly hallucinogens, can induce depersonalization and derealization.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of DDD is primarily clinical, based on the patient's history and symptoms. The DSM-5 criteria for DDD include:

• Persistent or recurrent experiences of depersonalization, derealization, or both.
• Reality testing remains intact during episodes.
• Symptoms cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning.
• Symptoms are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or another medical condition.

Treatment

Treatment for DDD often involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps patients challenge and change distorted thoughts and perceptions.
• Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Encourages awareness and acceptance of thoughts and feelings without judgment.
• Medications: Antidepressants or anxiolytics may be prescribed to manage associated symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Prognosis

The prognosis for DDD varies. Some individuals experience significant improvement with treatment, while others may have chronic symptoms. Early intervention and a comprehensive treatment plan can improve outcomes.

See Also

• Dissociative Disorders
• Anxiety Disorders
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
• Simeon, D., & Abugel, J. (2006). Feeling Unreal: Depersonalization Disorder and the Loss of the Self.

External Links

• [International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation](https://www.isst-d.org/)
• [National Alliance on Mental Illness](https://www.nami.org/)

NIH genetic and rare disease info

• NIH info on Depersonalization/derealization disorder

Depersonalization/derealization disorder is a rare disease.