What is Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder?

Depersonalization-derealization disorder is when you always or often think you are viewing yourself from outside your body, or see things around you as unreal-or both. Depersonalization and derealization experiences can be very upsetting. It's possible that you feel that you're living in a dream.

Many people have a transient episode of depersonalization or derealization at some time. But when these feelings recur or do not completely disappear, and they interfere with your functioning, it is probably depersonalization-derealization disorder. For instance, this condition can occur more often in people suffering from trauma, like violence, abuse, or other extreme stress.

Depersonalization-derealization disorder can be severe, causing significant relationship problems and work complications. Disruptions in some other daily activities also occur. The main treatment modality for depersonalization-derealization disorder remains psychotherapy or talk therapy. Sometimes medications are also used.

What are the symptoms of depersonalization-derealization disorder?

Sometimes, those suffering from depersonalization-derealization disorder find it hard to articulate their symptoms. Some of them feel as if they have words for what they are experiencing, but people do not seem to understand them or take them seriously. The main core symptom of depersonalization-derealization disorder, however, involves a disconnection of some sort.  It might feel like:

• Disconnection from your thoughts, feelings and body (depersonalization).
• Disconnection from your surroundings or environment (derealization).
• You feel like a robot or that those around you are robot-like.
• Feeling emotionally flat.
• It feels like you are observing yourself from outside your body.
• It feels like you live in a dream world.
• Sadness or anxious feelings.

These could create a lot of agitation since you begin to think something terribly wrong is with you. One may experience ruminative thinking, focusing on one's symptoms or the past events over and over again or trying to control them; such self-focus can induce high levels of anxiety and worry, further enhancing symptoms.

What causes depersonalization-derealization disorder?

Healthcare professionals don't know specifically what causes depersonalization-derealization disorder, but frequently, a person has first experienced extreme stress or trauma, which can be:

• Injury at the hands of another
• Domestic violence: They may have observed or witnessed it.
• The sudden effects of an automobile accident, natural disaster.
• Serious threat to the person's life.
• Sudden loss of a loved person
• Extremely mentally-ill parent

What puts people in risk?

Generally, risk factors for any dissociative disorder include factors like these:

• Inadequate emotional sense.
• Certain personality or other mental health disorders.
• Physical conditions like a seizure disorder.

How is depersonalization-derealization disorder diagnosed?

Your mental healthcare provider will ask a series of questions about your symptoms. They'll look for other mental health conditions (comorbidities) like:

• Depression.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Anxiety.
• Personality disorders.

If you do not have another diagnosis which fits better, you are not withdrawing from medication and your experiences are not related to mood-altering drugs or alcohol, they may diagnose the condition with depersonalization-derealization disorder.

What tests will be done to diagnose?

If your provider suspects depersonalization-derealization disorder, they may ask a series of questions that help identify your symptoms, how often they occur and how much they interfere with your well-being. They may also ask you to complete some assessments on paper or online. Although it may be difficult to find the right words to describe your feelings, try to be as specific as possible about what life is like for you so that your provider can help you.

How is depersonalization-derealization disorder treated?

Researchers are still not sure how to best treat depersonalization-derealization disorder. When discussing treatment, your provider will discuss your medical history, your symptoms, and your treatment goals with you. They may recommend medication and talk therapy (psychotherapy) such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitization processing (commonly called EMDR).

Medications

Although talk therapy is the most effective treatment, your mental healthcare provider may prescribe a medication (or combination of medications) as part of your treatment, such as:

• Anti-anxiety medications.
• Side effects
• Mood-stabilizing medications.
• Antipsychotic medications.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Because mental healthcare providers might use different medications to treat depersonalization-derealization disorder, side effects vary. However, there are some common side effects, including:

• Weight gain.
• Constipation.
• Dry mouth.
• Dizziness.
• Increased appetite.
• Drowsiness.
• Urinary retention.
• Possible interaction with other prescribed medications, recreational drugs or alcohol.

How long does depersonalization-derealization disorder last?

Again, there's not a lot of research about what to expect if you have depersonalization-derealization disorder. Left untreated, depersonalization-derealization disorder can last for years. Sometimes it resolves on its own, but it might negatively impact your relationships or work life. With treatment, people commonly start to see an improvement in their symptoms within a few months.

How do I look after myself?

If symptoms of depersonalization-derealization disorder have lasted you should seek treatment from a mental healthcare professional. Initially, you will likely require several visits and then, regular follow-ups with a psychologist, and periodic check-ups with a psychiatrist who will assist your psychiatrist find the best treatment for your condition, and ensure the side effects are tolerable. Your psychologist will use talk therapy to teach you skills to cope with your symptoms and gain insight into your symptom triggers.

Meanwhile, take your medications and be kind to yourself in any way you can be. It is okay when words cannot find you to describe that. And while it would be normal to worry a bit about your health condition, try not to do it. Paced breathing, which includes a deep exhale, or meditating can calm your worrying thoughts.

When should I go to my healthcare provider?

Your care team will schedule routine check-up visits to assess your general condition, lingering symptoms and treatment-related side effects. But some days you will just want to know something or have an issue that doesn't relate to an appointment time. It's okay to reach out if your symptoms are getting worse. If you have thoughts that you are at risk of hurting yourself or someone else, you seek help immediately. In the United States, you can dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency. You can also go to the nearest emergency room.

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

It is okay to feel comfortable asking your healthcare provider questions. However, sometimes people freeze when a provider asks them if they have any questions. Bringing a list of questions in with you may help. You might want to ask the following:

• How long will it take for me to feel like myself again?
• What side effects should I expect from treatment?
• For how long will I need medication and/or therapy?
• If I have any questions or concerns, how would you like me to contact you?
• What do I do if my symptoms worsen? What if it's after hours or on the weekend?

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced psychiatrists, and clinical psychologists. Our experts provide accurate diagnosis with structured clinical interviews and comprehensive psychological assessments. We offer personalized medical care with advanced treatment plans including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, and medication management. Our Psychiatry and Mental Health team has decades of experience in successfully treating Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder in Lucknow, India.

To seek an expert consultation for Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder Treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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