Derealization/ Depersonalization Disorder

Derealization and depersonalization are the two most common dissociative symptoms.Although the two are experienced simultaneously by individuals, they have some significant differences.

Depersonalization

This is defined as a temporary loss of one's own self and reality. Those who experience these symptoms feel as if they are detached from themselves, including feelings of detachment from thoughts, feelings and their whole body. The individuals experience split-self, where they feel one part of themselves observing and another part participating, this is commonly known as 'out of body experience'. People feel like they are robots and lack control over their speech and movements.

Derealization

This is the temporary loss of one's sense of reality of the outside world, including other individuals, surroundings or inanimate objects. The individuals who experience episodes of derealization feel as though they are in a bubble or as if there is a glass barrier between them and the world around. They perceive their surroundings to be unreal, lifeless or colorless. Signs of derealization include visual distortion such as blurriness. Individuals find some objects to appear larger or smaller than they actually are, voices or sounds are sometimes muted or heightened.

Around 40-50% of the population experience such symptoms in mild forms at least once in a lifetime. The symptoms of depersonalization and derealization are usually caused by severe stress, sleep problems etc. However, for some people these episodes are prolonged and intense and interfere with their day to day functioning. In such cases, the person may be diagnosed with depersonalization/derealization disorder. According to studies, only 1-2% of the general population is diagnosed with this disorder. A study done on 200 cases of depersonalization / derealization disorder found that the average age of onset is 23.

Often people revealed that they felt as though they were living in a movie or dream. Individuals who suffer from depersonalization / derealization disorder are unable to explain their symptoms to others and worry that they are going crazy. People have a distorted sense of time, to some time may appear too fast and to some, too slow. They have problems in remembering their past memories and constantly worry of they really exist.

What causes the disorder?

The depersonalization / derealization disorder is closely associated with childhood trauma, especially emotional abuse and emotional neglect. Other causes include physical violence, having a mentally ill parent, exposure to domestic violence or a sudden demise of a family member or friend. Use of illegal drugs are likely to induce symptoms of depersonalization and derealization. Sexual abuse during childhood may also be a contributor, although there isn't sufficient evidence to prove it.

Patients usually seek out psychotherapy, which helps to make them self-aware. In either case, professional assistance can help identify the stressors and reduce the anxiety.