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Depersonalization

Depersonalization is the experience that one is detached from their own body and experiences. This phenomenon is often described as the feeling that one is looking at themselves from the outside. Depersonalization is the third most common symptom, behind anxiety and depression, which is experienced by those who have experienced a traumatic event such as an accident, injury, assault, or serious illness. In cases where depersonalization is experienced after such an event, the episode will typically last only a short time.

Depersonalization disorder is a rare condition which is not well understood. People who have depersonalization disorder experience persistent or recurrent feelings that they are detached from their personal experiences and perceptions. Many patients who suffer from this condition describe feeling like a robot or as if their lives were a dream or a movie. Those with the disorder many experience episodes of depersonalization which can last for years.

Episodes of depersonalization are often frightening and stressful. These feelings of detachment and distortion of reality often prompt panic and distress in affected individuals. People who experience depersonalization often have difficulty describing their experiences to others and many worry or believe that they are "going crazy." Many people with depersonalization are aware that things are not really as they appear. When depersonalization occurs, surroundings often take on unfamiliar or unreal characteristics, with objects seeming nearer or further, smaller or larger than they actually are.

As stated, an isolated episode or short bout with depersonalization is most often precipitated by some external event, while depersonalization disorder often occurs without provocation. The causes of depersonalization are not well known, though the condition often occurs in patients with other mental health conditions. Patients with anxiety disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, hypochondriasis, post traumatic stress disorder, and other types of dissociative disorders may be more susceptible to developing depersonalization disorder. Depersonalization may occur in individuals with brain disease, seizure disorders, or those that take certain medications.

The diagnosis of depersonalization disorder is made on the basis of symptoms. The DSM-IV manual defines the specific signs of depersonalization disorder to help doctors make a correct diagnosis. A doctor will make a full evaluation of the patient's physical and psychological history and their current condition to diagnose or rule out depersonalization disorder. The physician may also inquire into the patient's physical condition, drug use, and health disorders when determining whether or not a person has depersonalization disorder.

Depersonalization disorder often disappears on its own without medical intervention. There are no medications approved to treat depersonalization specifically. Psychotherapy, cognitive therapies, clinical hypnosis, and other treatments may be beneficial. Underlying conditions and issues should also be addressed and treated.

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