Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder
Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder involves persistent or recurrent episodes where individuals feel detached from themselves (depersonalization) or from the world around them (derealization).
Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder
Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder involves persistent or recurrent episodes where individuals feel detached from themselves (depersonalization) or from the world around them (derealization). People often describe it as being in a dream, a fog, or outside their own body, observing themselves from afar. Despite these experiences, reality testing remains intact—meaning the person knows the sensations are not literally true. Episodes can last minutes, hours, or even years. They are highly distressing and often triggered by severe stress, trauma, or anxiety. Many people experiencing this fear they are “going crazy” or losing their mind, but the disorder is not psychosis. In Saudi Arabia, symptoms may be misunderstood as spiritual or supernatural, leading individuals to seek religious or traditional remedies before psychiatric care. However, recognizing it as a psychological condition can greatly improve treatment outcomes.
What constitutes Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder?
- Persistent or recurrent episodes of depersonalization, derealization, or both
- Intact reality testing (knowing the experience is subjective, not delusional)
- Significant distress or impairment
- Not explained by substances, medical conditions, or other mental disorders
Symptoms and warning signs
- Feeling detached from body or thoughts (“I’m not real,” “I’m watching myself”)
- Emotional numbing or disconnection from feelings
- The world feels dreamlike, foggy, or artificial
- Distorted sense of time or space
- Difficulty concentrating due to dissociation
- Anxiety or depression often co-occur
Causes and risk factors
- Severe trauma, especially in childhood
- Intense or chronic stress
- Panic attacks or severe anxiety disorders
- Substance use (e.g., cannabis, hallucinogens) can trigger episodes
- Personality traits: high sensitivity, overthinking, perfectionism
Treatment approaches
- Psychotherapy: CBT to reduce catastrophic thinking and manage triggers
- Trauma therapy: addressing unresolved trauma underlying dissociation
- Mindfulness-based therapy: grounding techniques to reconnect with reality
- Medication: SSRIs or anxiolytics may reduce co-occurring anxiety/depression
- Lifestyle: stress management, adequate sleep, avoidance of triggers (e.g., drugs, high stress)
Why Act Center for Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia?
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