Depersonalization and derealization are two terms used to describe feelings of detachment from oneself and the surrounding environment. While the two are often used interchangeably, they do have distinct differences. Depersonalization is a feeling of detachment from oneself, as if observing oneself from a distance. Derealization, on the other hand, is a feeling of detachment from one's surroundings, as if everything around them is unreal or dreamlike.
Depersonalization disorder or derealization disorder is a mental health disease that can make you feel disconnected from your surroundings and yourself. According to the DSM-5, depersonalization-derealization disorder is a dissociative disorder characterized by persistent or recurrent episodes of depersonalization or derealization.
Symptoms of depersonalization-derealization disorder include feelings of detachment or disconnection from oneself, feeling like one is in a dream or fog, feeling like one is watching oneself from outside the body, and feeling like one's surroundings are not real. These symptoms can be distressing, and individuals may feel like they are going crazy or losing their mind. Depersonalization-derealization disorder can be triggered by stress, trauma, or substance use.
“Out-of-body” experiences can occasionally happen to almost anyone. But if you feel like you are persistently feeling detached from your body or surroundings, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. Depersonalization-derealization disorder, often referred to as DP/DR, can be a debilitating and scary mental health disorder for the person experiencing it.
Lumping the terms together, psychiatrists define depersonalization/derealization disorder as “persistent or recurrent … experiences of unreality in one’s sense of self, or of the world, to the point that these experiences interfere with daily functioning.”
The exact cause of depersonalization-derealization disorder is unknown, but it is believed to be related to a disruption in the brain's ability to process emotions and sensory information. One theory suggests that it may be a coping mechanism for dealing with traumatic experiences or overwhelming emotions.
Treatment for depersonalization-derealization disorder typically involves therapy and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to their symptoms. Medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotics may also be prescribed to help manage symptoms.
These findings suggest that assessing self-reported persistent derealization or vmPFC activation shortly after trauma exposure could be helpful in predicting the development of PTSD.
Depersonalization and derealization experiences are regarded as the third most prevalent mental health symptoms, coming right after anxiety and depression. While many people experience these symptoms from time to time, they can be a sign of a more serious mental health condition if they are persistent or interfering with daily functioning.
“Depersonalization-derealization disorder occurs when you persistently or repeatedly have the feeling that you're observing yourself from outside your body or that you're detached from the world around you,” says Dr. Matthew Goldenberg, a psychiatrist at Providence Saint John's Health Center. "It can be a very distressing and isolating experience, but treatment is available and can be effective."
Depersonalization is a part of dissociation that suggests a lack of connection to your sense of self. It's sometimes confused with derealization, which is a symptom wherein a person reports that the world around them does not feel real. What is missing in derealization is something that feels like a connection to one's immediate surroundings.
Overall, depersonalization-derealization disorder can be a challenging condition to manage, but with the right treatment, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depersonalization-derealization disorder, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional.
