WHAT IS DEPERSONALIZATION-DEREALIZATION DISORDER?
Depersonalization-Derealization disorder (DPDR) is a dissociative disorder that involves the feeling of being an outsider from your own life, observing your own thoughts and actions without having any control over them. It is a subject that is rarely discussed although it is one of the most common symptoms of anxiety and panic disorder.
Depersonalization relates to how you perceive yourself. It is the sense of detachment from yourself. Derealization relates to how you perceive the people and objects in your surroundings. It is a sense of emotional detachment from your surroundings, including the people and things you love. DPDR causes you to perceive yourself, other people, and your surroundings as unreal or distorted.
IS DEPERSONALIZATION-DEREALIZATION DISORDER A PSYCHOTIC DISORDER?
Unlike psychotic disorders, people diagnosed with DPDR are able to distinguish their feelings of detachment from reality and are aware that their experiences of detachment are not real.
Experiencing episodes of depersonalization and derealization are quite common and not unusual. Feelings of detachment are only considered as DPDR if these feelings linger, repeat, or disrupt your daily activities and relationships.
CAUSES/RISK-FACTORS FOR DEPERSONALIZATION-DEREALIZATION DISORDER
The exact cause of DPDR is unknown, but it is common in people with traumatic or stressful experiences which may have resulted in the development of dissociative coping mechanisms. Risk factors of DPDR include emotional or physical abuse in childhood, the death of a loved one, usage of recreational drugs, depression, anxiety, and extreme stress. DPDR is also commonly diagnosed in teenagers and young adults.
SYMPTOMS OF DEPERSONALIZATION
Feelings of being detached from yourself
Feelings of being a mere observer to your own thoughts and actions, without any ability to control them
Feelings of emotional or physical numbness towards your surroundings
Exhibiting Alexithymia, the inability to identify and describe your emotions
A sense that your physical appearance is distorted, such as swollen or shrunken limbs
SYMPTOMS OF DEREALIZATION
Feelings of being detached from your surroundings
Emotional detachment from your loved ones
The sense that your surroundings are artificial or distorted like you’re living in a dream or movie.
Experiencing a distorted perception of time
Experiencing a distorted perception of distance
Sizes and shapes of objects appear to be distorted, hazy, and unreal
Experiencing a heightened awareness of your surroundings
POSSIBLE TREATMENTS FOR DEPERSONALIZATION-DEREALIZATION DISORDER
- Psychotherapy or talk therapy
- Relaxation techniques such as meditation or practicing mindfulness
- Hypnotherapy or clinical hypnosis
Activities that engage the five basic senses (touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste) can also help in reducing feelings of depersonalization and derealization. These activities include :
- Holding ice cubes or a warm cup of water
- Smelling essential oils
- Listening to familiar songs
- Look around and identify the things you see in your surroundings
- Practice taking long and deep breaths
SOURCE
Depersonalization-derealization disorder - Symptoms, and Causes - Mayo Clinic
Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder: Symptoms & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org)
Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder (DPDR): Definition, Symptoms, Traits, Causes, Treatment (verywellmind.com)
Writer: Eunice
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