Studied by 2 peopleRecurrent episodes in which
a person has sensations of unreality of ones own body or surroundings.
Feelings dominate and
interfere with life functioning
Only diagnosed if
primary problem involves depersonalization and derealization
Similar symptoms may occur in
the context of other disorders, including panic disorder and PTSD
DSM-5 Criteria: Persistent or recurrent
experiences of depersonalization, derealization, or both
DSM-5 Criteria: Reality testing
is intact
DSM-5 Criteria: Symptoms cause
significant distress
DSM-5 Criteria: Not result of
substance use
DSM-5 Criteria: Not better
explained otherwise
Cognitive deficits in
attention, short-term memory, spatial reasoning
Easily
distractable
Difficulty absorbing
new information
Reduced
emotional responding
May have dysregulation of
HPA axis in brain
High comorbidity with
anxiety and mood disorders
Affects what percent of the population?
1% - 3%
Onset is
typically in adolescence
Usually runs a
lifelong chronic course
Having a history of
trauma makes this disorder more likely to manifest
Treatment research is
very scarce
No systematic research on
psychological treatments
Trial of antidepressant (Prozac) showed
no effect above placebo
Note 
Flashcard (32)