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Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder is a type of dissociative disorder. This dissociation can cause disruption in a person’s awareness, consciousness, and memory leading to a lot of problems in a person’s life. In this article, we will go over what Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder is, along with its symptoms and risk factors.
What is Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder?
Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder is characterized by a person having a persistent feeling of being detached from their thoughts, feelings, and body which we term depersonalization along with feelings of derealization which is basically being disconnected from one’s environment and feeling as if the things around you are not real.
Even though, it is normal to experience these feelings of depersonalization and derealization for a fleeting moment in a person’s life. But at times, when a person may persistently experience either one or both of these feelings then it can be quite disturbing and can cause a disruption in a person’s daily life functioning.
According to The Recovery Village, depersonalization/derealization disorder affects around 2% of the population. Though there is also a strong possibility that this disorder is quite underdiagnosed. Moreover, the typical age when a person starts experiencing the symptoms is around 16 years. This disorder rarely begins during childhood or adulthood.
These feelings of Depersonalization and Derealization can be a sign of other disorders such as psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and dementia, seizure disorders, or other brain diseases.
What are some causes of Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder?
While there are no exact causes of this disorder but some people may be more prone to experiencing these feelings due to some genetic or environmental factors.
One of the main factors is childhood trauma which can lead to the development of this disorder. An extreme amount of stress may even trigger these episodes of Depersonalization and Derealization.
Potential risk factors
Some individuals may be more vulnerable to experiencing a dissociative disorder because of:
- Certain personality disorders or other types of mental illnesses
- Physical issues, like a seizure disorder
- Reduced emotional sensitivity in the nervous system
- Substance abuse, like hallucinogens
Severe stress or trauma can also result in dissociative disorders, including:
- Abuse
- Accidents, natural disasters, or life-threatening situations
- Having a parent who suffers from severe mental illness
- The unexpected loss of a loved one
- Violence or warfare
What are some signs & symptoms of Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder?
A person may experience these feelings in the form of episodes during which they retain the conscious fact that their sense of detachment is just a feeling and not a reality. A person may experience these episodes for hours, days weeks, or even months at a time.
Depersonalization Symptoms
Depersonalization symptoms include the following:
- A feeling that your memories are emotionless and that you’re not sure if they belong to you
- Having robotic-like thoughts or sensations, or lacking control over your words or actions
- The feeling that you are observing your thoughts, feelings, and body from a distance
- The feeling that your head is covered in cotton, that your body, legs, or arms are deformed, swollen, or shrunken
Derealization Symptoms
Derealization symptoms include the following:
- Distortions in object size, shape, and distance
- Distortions in time perception such as current occurrences seeming far away in the past
- Feeling as though a glass wall is separating a person from those they care about on an emotional level
- Feelings of alienation or unfamiliarity with their surroundings, such as the feeling that they are in a dream or a movie
Watch: [Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder: What you need to know]
We hope you found this article useful in learning about the causes and symptoms of depersonalization/derealization disorder.