Derealisation

Derealisation
Synonyms	Derealization
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Feeling of detachment from the environment
Complications	N/A
Onset
Duration
Types	N/A
Causes	Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma
Risks
Diagnosis	Clinical evaluation
Differential diagnosis	Depersonalization, Psychosis, Anxiety disorders
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Psychotherapy, Medication
Medication	N/A
Prognosis
Frequency
Deaths	N/A

Derealisation (or derealization) is a mental state where the external world seems unreal or unfamiliar. Individuals experiencing derealisation may feel as though they are living in a dream or a movie, and the environment around them may appear distorted, foggy, or lifeless.

Signs and Symptoms

Derealisation is characterized by a number of symptoms that affect perception and cognition. These include:

• A sense of detachment from the surroundings.
• Perception of the world as dreamlike, vague, or lacking in significance.
• Distorted perception of time, where events may seem to occur in slow motion or too quickly.
• Altered perception of distance and size of objects.
• Emotional numbing or a sense of disconnection from reality.

Causes

Derealisation can be triggered by various factors, including:

• Stress: High levels of stress can lead to episodes of derealisation.
• Anxiety: Anxiety disorders, particularly panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, are commonly associated with derealisation.
• Depression: Individuals with depression may experience derealisation as a symptom.
• Trauma: Traumatic experiences, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can lead to derealisation.
• Substance use: Certain drugs, particularly hallucinogens and cannabis, can induce derealisation.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of derealisation is primarily clinical, based on the patient's history and symptomatology. It is important to differentiate derealisation from other conditions such as:

• Depersonalization: A related condition where individuals feel detached from their own body or thoughts.
• Psychosis: Unlike psychosis, individuals with derealisation are aware that their experience is not real.
• Anxiety disorders: While derealisation can occur in the context of anxiety disorders, it is important to identify it as a distinct symptom.

Treatment

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

• Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used to help individuals manage symptoms and address underlying anxiety or trauma.
• Medication: Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms.
• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: These can help individuals ground themselves and reduce the intensity of derealisation episodes.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with derealisation varies. Some may experience transient episodes that resolve with treatment, while others may have chronic symptoms that require ongoing management. Early intervention and addressing underlying causes can improve outcomes.

See Also

• Depersonalization-derealization disorder
• Anxiety disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

External Links

• Mayo Clinic - Depersonalization-derealization disorder
• NHS - Depersonalisation and derealisation