depersonalization-disorder : Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

What is Depersonalization Disorder?

Depersonalization disorder belongs to a group of disorders called dissociative disorders. Depersonalization disorder is marked by periods of feeling disconnected or detached from one’s body and thoughts; however, these people do not lose touch with reality.

What are the causes of Depersonalization Disorder?

The exact cause of depersonalization disorder is not known, but biological, psychological, and environmental factors might play a role. Depersonalization disorder often is triggered by intense stress or a traumatic event -- such as war, abuse, accidents, disasters, or extreme violence -- that the person has experienced or witnessed.

What are the symptoms of Depersonalization Disorder?

Symptoms of depersonalization include:

• Feelings that you're an outside observer of your thoughts, feelings, your body or parts of your body — for example, as if you were floating in air above yourself
• Feeling like a robot or that you're not in control of your speech or movements
• The sense that your body, legs or arms appear distorted, enlarged or shrunken, or that your head is wrapped in cotton
• Emotional or physical numbness of your senses or responses to the world around you
• A sense that your memories lack emotion, and that they may or may not be your own memories

How is Depersonalization Disorder diagnosed?

Your doctor may determine or rule out a diagnosis of depersonalization disorder based on:

• Physical exam. In some cases, symptoms of depersonalization or derealization may be linked to an underlying physical health problem, medications, recreational drugs or alcohol.
• Lab tests. Some lab tests may help determine whether your symptoms are related to medical or other issues.
• Psychiatric evaluation. Your mental health professional asks about your symptoms, thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns, which can help determine if you have depersonalization-derealization disorder or other mental health disorders.
• DSM-5. Your mental health professional may use the criteria for depersonalization-derealization disorder listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association.

What are the treatments of Depersonalization Disorder?

Treatment approaches for depersonalization disorder may include the following:

• Psychotherapy: This kind of therapy for mental and emotional disorders uses psychological techniques designed to help a person better recognize and communicate  their thoughts feelings about psychological conflicts that could lead to depersonalization experiences.
• Medication:  Medications are generally not used to treat dissociative disorders. However, if a person with a dissociative disorder also suffers from depression or anxiety, they might benefit from  an antidepressantor anti-anxiety drug. Antipsychotic medications are also sometimes used to help with disordered thinking and perception related to depersonalization.
• Family therapy: This kind of therapy helps to educate the family about the disorder and its causes, as well as to help family members recognize symptoms of a recurrence.
• Creative therapies (art therapy, music therapy): These therapies allow the patient to explore and express his or her thoughts and feelings in a safe and creative way.
• Clinical hypnosis: This is a treatment technique that uses intense relaxation, concentration, and focused attention to achieve an altered state of consciousness or awareness, allowing people to explore thoughts, feelings, and memories they might have hidden from their conscious minds.