Self-disorder

Self-disorder
Synonyms	Ipseity disturbance, I-self disturbance
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Disturbances in the sense of self, identity confusion, derealization, depersonalization
Complications	May contribute to the development of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
Onset	Typically in adolescence or early adulthood
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Not fully understood; potential involvement of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors
Risks	Family history of mental illness, trauma, stress
Diagnosis	Clinical assessment, often using structured interviews and self-report questionnaires
Differential diagnosis	Schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, dissociative disorders
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Psychotherapy, antipsychotic medication, cognitive behavioral therapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Varies; early intervention may improve outcomes
Frequency	Not well established; considered a core feature of schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Deaths	N/A

Self-disorder or ipseity disturbance is a psychological phenomenon of disruption or diminishing of the basic sense of self-awareness, which is characterized by feelings of alienation and estrangement from oneself. It is often associated with various mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, depression, and borderline personality disorder.

Definition

Self-disorder is defined as a disruption or diminishment of one's sense of minimal self, a basic form of self-awareness that includes the sense of being a subject of awareness and action. This can manifest as feelings of alienation or estrangement from oneself, a sense of unreality, or a loss of the sense of "mineness" of one's own thoughts and actions.

Symptoms

Symptoms of self-disorder can vary widely, but often include feelings of unreality or estrangement from oneself, a sense of being an outside observer of one's own thoughts or actions, and a loss of the sense of "mineness" of one's own thoughts and actions. Other symptoms can include a sense of being disconnected from the world, a loss of the sense of continuity of time, and a sense of being trapped in one's own mind.

Causes

The exact causes of self-disorder are not fully understood, but it is often associated with various mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, depression, and borderline personality disorder. It is also thought to be related to disruptions in the normal development of self-awareness and identity, which can occur as a result of trauma, neglect, or abuse in childhood.

Treatment

Treatment for self-disorder typically involves psychotherapy, particularly forms of therapy that focus on helping the individual to develop a more coherent and stable sense of self. This can include cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. In some cases, medication may also be used to help manage associated symptoms or conditions.

See also

• Derealization
• Depersonalization
• Schizophrenia
• Borderline personality disorder