Vessel Disorder: Get to Know It

What is Depersonalization Disorder?

Depersonalization disorder, also known as depersonalization-derealization disorder, is a psychological condition classified as a dissociative disorder. In this condition, a person feels detached from their body, thoughts, and surroundings, producing a sensation that life is unreal, like an annoying dream that recurs intermittently. The affected individual is aware that this feeling is not real but is constantly attached to them, which disrupts normal life functioning.

Symptoms of Depersonalization Disorder

Symptoms of this disorder are divided into two categories: depersonalization symptoms and derealization symptoms. A person may experience one or both:

Depersonalization Symptoms

These include:

1. Memories feel devoid of emotions.
2. Lack of control over speech or actions.
3. Feeling numbness in the mind or body.
4. Feeling detached from oneself, as if the self is outside the body.
5. Perceiving body parts as distorted in size or unreal.

Derealization Symptoms

These include:

1. Feeling alienated from the surrounding environment, as if life is a dream.
2. Feeling disconnected from the external world, as if there are barriers allowing one to see but not interact with the environment.
3. Experiencing the surrounding environment as unreal, distant, close, large, or small, depending on perception.
4. Distorted perception of time, such as feeling the present is the past or that the past is recent.

Causes of Depersonalization Disorder

Psychological, environmental, and genetic factors play a major role in the development of depersonalization disorder. Its symptoms intensify with exposure to psychological trauma or painful events such as wars, accidents, disasters, severe violence, social rejection, abuse, or bullying of various kinds.

Treatment of Depersonalization Disorder

Treatment is essential especially if symptoms are persistent, distressing, and recurrent. Treatment methods include:

• Psychotherapy

Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy is fundamental to addressing depersonalization symptoms. It involves multiple sessions with a specialist to discuss causes and symptoms and identify related negative thoughts to confront and overcome them.

• Meditation and Relaxation

Practicing relaxation techniques and meditation like yoga helps sufferers spend quiet time with themselves, confront anxiety and constant stress, resist negative feelings, and reduce symptoms.

• Clinical Hypnosis

Through deep relaxation and focused concentration, hypnosis allows the patient to access memories, thoughts, and beliefs, helping them gain better control over their self and mental state.

• Medications

There are no specific medications for depersonalization disorder; however, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to alleviate associated symptoms of anxiety and depression.

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