Description

Depersonalization-derealization disorder occurs when you are always or often feel that you're watching yourself from outside your body or sense that things around you aren't real, or both. Feelings of depersonalization and derealization can be very disturbing. You may feel like you are living in a dream.

Many people have a step of the experience of depersonalization or derealization at some point. But when these feelings persist or if you never go away, and make it difficult for you to function, it is likely to depersonalization-derealization disorder. This condition is more common in people who suffer from trauma, such as violence, abuse or other types of extreme stress.

Depersonalization-derealization disorder can be serious and can get in the way of their relationships and work. You can also interrupt other daily activities. The main treatment for depersonalization-derealization disorder is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy. Sometimes, medications are also used.

Symptoms

Short-experiences of depersonalization or derealization are quite common. But durable and return of the fighting of these symptoms can cause problems at work or school, or other important areas of your life. During these episodes, you know that the sense of not being connected to your body and your surroundings are just feelings and not reality.

The experience and feelings of the condition can be difficult to describe. Worry about "going crazy" can cause that you are focused on checking that there are and figure out what is real.

The symptoms usually begin in the middle or late adolescence or in early adulthood. Depersonalization-derealization disorder is rare in children and older adults.

The symptoms of depersonalization

The symptoms of depersonalization include:

  • The feelings that you are watching your thoughts, feelings, body or parts of his body from the outside. For example, you may feel as if he was floating in the air above himself.
  • Feel like a robot or that you're not in control of what you say or how you move.
  • The sense of your body, legs or arms appear distorted or is not the correct way. Or they may seem larger or smaller than usual. You may also feel that your head is wrapped in cotton.
  • Emotional or physical numbness of the senses or of the answers to all over the world.
  • The feeling of her memories to lack emotion, and that may or may not be his own memories.

Derealization symptoms

The symptoms of derealization are:

  • Feeling that people and their environment are not real, like the one we're living in a movie or a dream.
  • Feeling emotionally disconnected from people you care about, as if they were separated by a glass wall.
  • The environment in which they appear out of their normal form, or is blurry or colorless. Or it may seem that only has two dimensions, so that they are flat, without depth. Or you could be more aware of their environment, and may appear more clear than usual.
  • Thoughts about the time that they are not real, such as the recent developments in the sense of the distant past.
  • Realistic thoughts about the distance and the size and shape of the objects.

Episodes of depersonalization-derealization disorder can last for hours, days, weeks, or months. In some people, these fights become ongoing feelings of depersonalization or derealization that can be better or worse at times.

When to see a doctor

Passing feelings of depersonalization or derealization are common and are not always a cause for concern. But in course or severe feelings of detachment and distortion of your environment can be a sign of depersonalization-derealization disorder, or other physical or mental health condition.

Consult a doctor if you have feelings of depersonalization or derealization that:

  • You get upset or are affecting your emotions.
  • Do not go away or keep coming back.
  • Get in the way of work, relationships, or daily activities.

Causes

The cause of depersonalization-derealization disorder is not well understood. Some people may be more likely to experience depersonalization and de-realization of the other. This is possibly due to genetic and environmental factors. The high levels of stress and fear can cause attacks.

The symptoms of depersonalization-derealization disorder may be related to the trauma of the childhood or other experiences, or events that cause a severe emotional stress or trauma.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase the risk of depersonalization-derealization disorder, which include:

  • Certain personality traits that make you want to stay away from stressful situations or make it difficult to describe their emotional experience.
  • Serious Trauma as a child or an adult, as you go through or seeing a traumatic event, such as violence or abuse.
  • Severe stress, such as relationship, financial or work-related issues.
  • Depression or anxiety, especially severe depression, the depression that lasts a long time or anxiety with panic attacks.
  • Misuse of drugs, which can cause bouts of depersonalization or derealization.

Complications

Episodes of depersonalization or derealization can be very scary and make it difficult to function. They can:

  • Make it difficult to concentrate on tasks or remembering things.
  • Get in the way of work and other routine activities.
  • Cause problems in relationships with family and friends.
  • Do you feel anxious, depressed, or hopeless.

Diagnosis

Your doctor can determine or rule out a diagnosis of depersonalization-derealization disorder based on:

  • Physical exam. In some cases, the symptoms of depersonalization or derealization can be linked to another issue of physical health, medications, drugs, or alcohol.
  • The laboratory tests. Some laboratory tests may help you to figure out if your symptoms are related to medical or other issues.
  • Mental health evaluation. Talking about your symptoms, thoughts, feelings and patterns of behavior can help determine if you have depersonalization-derealization disorder, or another mental health condition.

Treatment

Depersonalization-derealization disorder is primarily treated with talk therapy. But the drugs can be added to your treatment plan at times.

Talk therapy

Psychotherapy is the primary treatment for depersonalization-derealization disorder. The goal is to control symptoms to be better or disappear. Two types of talk therapy include cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy.

Psychotherapy can help you to:

  • Learn why the depersonalization and de-realization to occur.
  • Learn techniques to take your mind off your symptoms, and to connect with their world and feelings.
  • Learn coping strategies to deal with situations of stress and moments of extreme tension.
  • Talk about the emotions related to the trauma of the past that we have experienced.
  • Learn about other mental health conditions you may have, such as anxiety or depression.

Medications

No medication has been proven to effectively treat depersonalization-derealization disorder. But medicines can be used to treat the specific symptoms or to treat depression and anxiety, which are often associated with the condition.

Coping and support

While depersonalization-derealization disorder can feel scary, knowing that it can be treated can make you feel better. To help you deal with depersonalization-derealization disorder:

  • Follow your treatment plan. Psychotherapy may involve the practice of certain techniques daily to help you reduce or stop the feelings of depersonalization and derealization. Seeking treatment early can make it more likely that you will use these techniques with success.
  • Learn about the condition. Books and internet resources available that talk about why the depersonalization and de-realization occur and how to cope. Ask your mental health professional to suggest educational materials and resources.
  • Connect with others. Stay connected with the support and care of people, such as family, friends, or leaders of the faith.

Preparing for your appointment

It is likely to start by seeing your primary care doctor or other primary care professional. You can suggest that you consult with a doctor who specializes in the brain and nervous system conditions, also known as a neurologist. Or you can see a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, also known as a psychiatrist.

You may want to take a family member or friend along, if possible. Someone that goes hand in hand with the one that you can remember something that you missed or forgot.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment and know what to expect.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

  • The symptoms you have, even if they are not related to the reason for your appointment.
  • Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
  • All the drugs, vitamins, herbs and other supplements that you are taking, including dosage.
  • Questions to ask your doctor.

Some basic questions to ask include:

  • What is most likely causing my symptoms?
  • There are other possible causes?
  • Do I need any tests to confirm the diagnosis?
  • What treatments are available? Which would I recommend?
  • There are other options to the primary approach you're suggesting?
  • I need to see a specialist?
  • Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What sites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask you some questions, such as:

  • When did you first start to feel the symptoms?
  • The symptoms been constant, or does that only occur once in a while?
  • How severe are the symptoms?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What seems to make your symptoms worse?
  • Do you have any long-term health conditions?
  • Do you have any mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
  • What medications or herbal supplements you take?
  • Do you drink alcohol or use recreational drugs?

Be prepared to answer questions, so you will have time to talk about what is most important to you.

Symptoms and treatment of Depersonalization-derealization disorder