What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Derealization Disorder
• DPD (Depersonalization Disorder)

What is Depersonalization Disorder? (Definition/Background Information)

• Depersonalization Disorder is a mental disorder, involving out of body experiences in which one feels as though he/she has disconnected from their body and thoughts, and is observing themselves from the outside. This detached feeling can be similar to being in a dream-like state
• Depersonalization Disorder falls into the category of dissociative disorders, which are conditions that result in a breakdown of consciousness (mind), and cause confusion in memory, awareness, identity, or perception
• Individuals may feel depersonalization or derealization in a passing manner some time in their life. However, for a full diagnosis of Depersonalization Disorder, an individual must have such feelings in a persistent and recurrent manner 
• Individuals may develop Depersonalization Disorder due to both genetic and environmental factors, and this is commonly triggered following psychological stress, such as abuse, trauma, or violence. This disorder may also be a symptom of other problems, such as brain diseases or personality disorders
• The condition can be treated using a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy is the primary focus of treatment, and it can be used to assist with changing thinking patterns. Medication is used to aid with the side effects such as anxiety or depression
• Many factors are known to influence the progress of treatment of Depersonalization Disorder. But, alongside a steady treatment, individuals with a strong support system and a healthy lifestyle can lead a regular life without losing their grip on reality

Who gets Depersonalization Disorder? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Depersonalization Disorder is rarer in comparison to other dissociative disorders. It affects between 0.8%-2% of the general population
• Symptom manifestation can occur as early as 16 years of age
• Both males and females can be equally affected
• Individuals of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Depersonalization Disorder? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for the development of Depersonalization Disorder may include:

• Certain behavioral traits, such as denial or difficulty in adapting to situations
• Immense and/or ongoing stress, such as abuse, trauma, violence, as well as anxiety and depression
• Consistent use of recreational drugs

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Depersonalization Disorder? (Etiology)

• Currently, the exact cause has not been identified for the Depersonalization Disorder. However, there are several biological and environmental risk factors that may contribute to its development
• Depersonalization Disorder may have a genetic basis, and be associated with brain diseases, such as dementia, or personality disorders such as schizophrenia
• The disorder can also be triggered by physical or emotional stress (such as abuse, trauma, violence) as well as psychological stress (such as anxiety and depression)

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Depersonalization Disorder?

The signs and symptoms of Depersonalization Disorder may vary between the affected individuals in type and severity, and include: 

• Numbing
  • Physical 
  • Emotional
• Feeling disconnected from self, also known by the term “unreality of self”
  • A disconnected feeling from one’s body and thoughts, and a feeling of observing oneself from the outside
  • A feeling of being in a dream-like state, in which one is not in control of his/her actions or speech
• A disconnect from surroundings 
  • A feeling that familiar individuals are really strangers
  • A disconnect from one’s environment
• Perceptual alterations
  • A feeling of distortion, confusion with distance, space, or time
  • Things appearing larger/smaller/altered/blurry in some way
• Temporal disintegration
  • Confusion with regards to retaining and storing memories
  • Losing track of the goal that he/she was in pursuit of

All in all, the symptoms indicate a loss of grip on reality. Although affected individuals may be confused in this state, they are typically aware that something is wrong and their perception is altered.

How is Depersonalization Disorder Diagnosed?

Depersonalization Disorder can be diagnosed using a combination of physical and psychiatric methods, on the basis of the following information:

• Complete physical examination 
• Thorough medical history evaluation to factor in any medication or substance use (or abuse) that may be causing the depersonalized experience
• Assessment of signs and symptoms based on the criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
• Laboratory tests
• Imaging studies
• Biopsy studies, if necessary
• Differential diagnosis to rule-out a other conditions that may manifest with similar signs and symptoms

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Depersonalization Disorder?

In individuals with severe Depersonalization Disorder, the following complications may arise:

• Difficulty with memory and retaining information, or performing tasks, due to the temporal disintegration
• Inability to perform day-to-day activities, due to the skewed perception of reality
• Difficulties in maintaining relationships with family and friends
• Loneliness or social solitude
• Depression or anxiety

How is Depersonalization Disorder Treated?

The treatment for Depersonalization Disorder focuses on finding the root cause of dissociation, address stressors and help an affected individual change behaviors to bring normalcy back into his/her life. Potential treatment options for Depersonalization Disorder are as follows:

• Psychotherapy, the primary form of treatment, may employ a combination of different methods:
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help change negative and dysfunctional thought patterns, feelings, and behaviors
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to treat nightmares or flashbacks, such as in the cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to address those who have undergone abuse or trauma
  • Family therapy to educate the family of the disorder
  • Art therapy or music therapy
• Meditation and relaxing techniques including hypnosis
• Medication for associated anxiety and depression

How can Depersonalization Disorder be Prevented?

At the present time, no methods or guidelines are available for the prevention of Depersonalization Disorder.

• Seeking medical treatment soon after symptoms begin appearing may help prevent progression of a mild condition into a severe disorder
• Since it has been determined that stress and trauma are risk factors, seeking professional help after a psychologically stressful event may help prevent the onset of Depersonalization Disorder

What is the Prognosis of Depersonalization Disorder? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Depersonalization Disorder is dependent upon the severity of the signs and symptoms and associated complications
• With early intervention and proper treatment, individuals can lead a healthy life
• Typically, the prognosis is assessed on a case-by-case basis

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Depersonalization Disorder:

• Other types of dissociative disorders include dissociative amnesia and dissociative identity disorder