Self-disorder

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

References

Self-disorder Resources
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