Depersonalization Disorder

Depersonalization disorder can begin with no apparent cause, due to experiencing or witnessing an accident or assault and can be enhanced by the person’s fears of recurrent experiences. Depersonalization disorder is often triggered by extreme traumatic experiences such as abuse, accidents, war, torture, panic attacks, and bad drug experiences. This disorder can occur suddenly and without cause. It usually occurs in mid to late teens or early adulthood. It is rare in children or older adults. Its occurrence can be enhanced by the presence of other mental health disorders such as panic, depression, schizophrenia, PTSD or multiple personality. There are theories that support that this disorder may be caused by an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Depersonalization disorder is feelings of persistent and or recurrent detachment from one’s thinking, emotions or body. This changes one’s experience and they feel that their body is unreal or foreign. They can experience the impression that they are observing themselves, most often referred to as an out of body experience. They can experience other distorted impression such as seeing that their body parts are larger or smaller than normal. They may feel like they are in a dreamlike state. They are in the dreamlike state but they are aware that their perceptions are distorted and remain in contact with reality. They can lose control of speech and actions. People often feel that time is passing by and they are not actively participating with the present.
There are additional situations that may cause this disorder and some of the more common causes can be negative stimuli, stress, physical harm, threatening social interactions, or unfamiliar environments. Factors that tend to diminish symptoms are comforting interpersonal interactions, intense physical or emotional stimulation, and relaxation. The person fears they are going crazy, have brain damage, and are losing control of their life are common complaints. Individuals report occupational limitations as they feel they are working below their ability and interpersonal troubles since they have an emotional disconnection.
Depersonalization disorder is associated with cognitive disruptions in early perceptual and attention processes. Some factors that are identified as relieving symptoms are diet, exercise, alcohol and fatigue. This disorder causes distress, interferes with social relationships and job performance.
Even though this disorder is classified in the DSM it is not considered a serious mental disorder. It can occur essentially to anyone that has a combination of risk factors and trauma. Mental health personnel feel that this disorder can be treated and is not necessarily a life long disabling event.