Depersonalization is a change in the consciousness of the ‘I’, during which the person experiences his persona as unreal, detached from his own experiences and feelings. In simpler terms, depersonalization is a perceptual pathology that alters self-awareness, making one’s personality, in whole or in part, seem unreal, distant, or artificial.
Depersonalization is a perceptual pathology in which self-awareness is raised, but one’s personality, in whole or in part, is perceived as unreal, distant, or artificial.
In the case of depersonalization disorder (DP), patients experience detachment from their feelings and surrounding events as if they were outside observers. A prevalent symptom is emotional detachment from the environment.
Depersonalization may be accompanied by such feelings as changes in the perception of time and changes related to body image (for example, the feeling that the body’s limbs have taken on a different shape or size). At this time, a person may sense that he is outside his body and observe his actions from the outside. Classic descriptions emphasize reduced, “numbed” or even non-existent emotional responses, e.g. “All my emotions are fuzzy” and “the emotional part of my brain is dead.” At this point, the person feels that their memories lack emotion and may or may not be their memories.
Another symptom of depersonalization disorder is the sensation of time shifting, such as feeling that time is slowing down or speeding up. Also, a person may have a fear of “going crazy”, and a person may feel as if he has lost “possession” of some personal memories. Or reducing emotional reactions. (These symptoms also characterize derealisation).
Depersonalization is present in generalized and phobic anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, schizophrenia, and frontal lobe epilepsy.
Causes of depersonalization
The onset of Depersonalisation-Derealisation Disorder can occur in childhood. Still, it often starts in the mid-teenage years, with an average age at onset of about 16. Developing symptoms for the first time after 25 years of age is infrequent.
The onset of depersonalization-derealisation disorder can vary from sudden to gradual, with initial episodes of limited severity and frequency gradually replaced by more severe and persistent symptoms.
Episodes of depersonalization-derealisation disorder can vary in duration, ranging from brief (hours or days) to prolonged (weeks, months or years). Factors such as emotional stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, or recreational drug use can make symptoms much worse. The problem is usually long-lasting (chronic) and persistent.
Treatment for depersonalization
Treatment methods for depersonalization depend on the severity of symptoms and individual needs. Depersonalization is an illness for which there are no specific medications, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics. Antipsychotics and stabilizing medications are rarely used, only when depersonalization is associated with other mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Psychotherapy can be very effective in treating depersonalization, even if you have severe symptoms. Like all treatments, psychotherapy must be tailored to the specific needs of each individual. Cognitive-behavioral therapy works well with this disease. It helps the patient to understand and change the negative thoughts and habits that complicate the symptoms. In addition, depersonalization symptoms are often exacerbated by stress and fatigue, so lifestyle management, adequate sleep, relaxation, and physical activities are essential.