Depersonalization & Derealization

Persistent or recurrent feeling of detachment or estrangement from one’s self, a feeling of watching yourself in a movie, can be described as Depersonalization. Whereas, a persistent or current feeling of detachment or estrangement from the surroundings or one’s environment, as if dreaming, unreal or dead, can be described as Derealization.

These can be the result of overwhelmingly painful responses, triggering events, history of repeated traumas, life threatening experiences, mild or moderate head injuries, etc. It is very commonly observed in patients suffering from seizures and migraines. Certain substances like Marijuana can also cause such symptoms. Their prevalence is more in Females as compared to Males.

DSM-5 Criteria for diagnosis of Depersonalization and Derealization Disorders.:

1. Presence of detachment from Self (Depersonalization) or Surroundings (Derealization) or both.
2. During both Depersonalization or Derealization experiences, the testing of reality is intact
3. There is a presence of clinically significant distress or impairment in social, environmental and other important areas of functioning are present.
4. The symptoms are not due to any Substance use.
5. The Symptoms are not present due to any other mental disorders.