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What is Depersonalization Disorder?

Margo Upson
Margo Upson
Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Depersonalization disorder describes a condition where the individual feels disconnected from his or her body. These people suffer from an altered perception of reality, and may feel as though they are not a part of their body or environment. It may feel like their body is changing, dissolving, or being left behind, as though they have become an observer of his or her own life.

Also known as depersonalization neurosis, depersonalization disorder is considered one of the many dissociative disorders, as labeled by the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). A dissociative disorder is when a person's memory, identity, perception, and consciousness become disconnected from each other, and is usually caused by severe trauma, an intense level of internal conflict, or thoughts and feelings that the individual feels are forbidden. In depersonalization disorder, it is perception that becomes disjointed.

In many cases, extreme trauma and abuse can contribute to depersonalization disorder.
In many cases, extreme trauma and abuse can contribute to depersonalization disorder.

The most common cause of this disorder is abuse, either physical, mental, or sexual, but it may also be caused by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorders, borderline personality disorders, or acute stress disorder. It may also be connected to a previously existing other dissociative disorder. Drugs, sleep deprivation, and very high levels of stress may also lead to the symptoms of depersonalization disorder, although they wouldn’t last long. In order for the diagnosis to be made, the feelings of altered reality must be almost constant. Feeling disconnected after a panic attack or a PTSD episode does not mean that someone is suffering from depersonalization disorder.

Physicians sometimes prescribe doxepin for patients who have depersonalization disorder.
Physicians sometimes prescribe doxepin for patients who have depersonalization disorder.

Diagnosing this disorder is usually a matter of exclusion. Doctors will narrow down the list of possible disorders until depersonalization disorder is the only one left. The use of diagnostic questionnaires can help doctors or psychologists to pinpoint their diagnosis of a dissociation disorder. From there, another survey may be used to narrow the diagnosis down to depersonalization disorder. The questions on these personality tests are open-ended, giving doctors a chance to find out more about an individuals symptoms and severity of the disorder, as well as a chance to possibly determine the cause.

A depersonalization disorder may be caused by a traumatic event and PTSD.
A depersonalization disorder may be caused by a traumatic event and PTSD.

In some cases, depersonalization disorder will resolve on its own. If the condition is ongoing, and disruptive to the patient's life, specialized therapy may be recommended. Cognitive-behavioral or psychodynamic therapy may be beneficial; hypnosis has also been used successfully in many cases. The type of therapy used is based on which will best suite the needs of the patient.

Abuse is one of the most common causes of depersonalization disorder.
Abuse is one of the most common causes of depersonalization disorder.

In addition to therapy, some patients are also prescribed medications, such as lorezapam or doxepin. These medications may include tranquilizers, anti-depressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). No one medication has been proven to be more effective than the others; like the therapy, it is a matter of determining which medication, or combination of medications, will best help the patient.

Sleep deprivation may lead to the symptoms of depersonalization disorder.
Sleep deprivation may lead to the symptoms of depersonalization disorder.

The majority of patients whohave been diagnosed with depersonalization disorder will make a full recovery. This is especially true if the cause of the disorder was linked to a traumatic event in the patient's past, as therapy can help the patient to deal with these past events. Some patients will experience chronic depersonalization disorder, with episodes that may occur after periods of extreme stress, but these episodes are manageable through medication.

Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Margo has a varied academic background, which has involved everything from psychology and culinary arts to criminal justice and education. These wide-ranging interests make her an ideal TheHealthBoard writer, as she always enjoys becoming an expert on new and unfamiliar topics.

Learn more...
Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Margo has a varied academic background, which has involved everything from psychology and culinary arts to criminal justice and education. These wide-ranging interests make her an ideal TheHealthBoard writer, as she always enjoys becoming an expert on new and unfamiliar topics.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Renegade

@hangugeo112

I think that one has to be careful when distinguishing between what he or she may think is a legitimate vision or higher calling toward some grand venture. Too often these visions lead people to do terrible things and cause random societal damage. If anything, these parapsychological phenomena tend to be either psychosis or demonic, and should not be romanticized.

hangugeo112

@Proxy414

I think that out of body experiences and lucid dreaming can sometimes get mixed up with delusion and schizophrenia, but I believe that they are legitimate parapsychological phenomena. The scientific community has been working hard for years to suppress any indication or report of spiritual phenomena and seemingly otherworldly issues because they are afraid of them.

Proxy414

I know that out of body experiences are still little known to scientists, but this might be a possible explanation of them. Some people believe that they are above and beyond themselves and have delusions about affecting other people's minds or being affected by them. This is a paranoid and schizophrenic (split mind) issue of depersonalization.

ShadowGenius

This can also be due to a lack of development of the personality from a young age. If a person doesn't truly know who they are or what their role in society is supposed to be, they may lose touch with themselves and seem quite distant. This is the case with many homeless people.

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    • In many cases, extreme trauma and abuse can contribute to depersonalization disorder.
      By: ivolodina
      In many cases, extreme trauma and abuse can contribute to depersonalization disorder.
    • Physicians sometimes prescribe doxepin for patients who have depersonalization disorder.
      By: themalni
      Physicians sometimes prescribe doxepin for patients who have depersonalization disorder.
    • A depersonalization disorder may be caused by a traumatic event and PTSD.
      By: John Gomez
      A depersonalization disorder may be caused by a traumatic event and PTSD.
    • Abuse is one of the most common causes of depersonalization disorder.
      By: bertys30
      Abuse is one of the most common causes of depersonalization disorder.
    • Sleep deprivation may lead to the symptoms of depersonalization disorder.
      By: bramgino
      Sleep deprivation may lead to the symptoms of depersonalization disorder.