Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder

Recurrent 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