Depersonalization

In psychiatry, depersonalization (or derealization) is the experience of feelings of loss of a sense of reality. A sufferer feels that he or she has changed and the world has become less real&mdash;it is vague, dreamlike, or lacking in significance. A sufferer is divorced from both the world and from his or her own identity and physicality. Often times the person who has experienced this disorder claims that life "feels like a movie, things seem unreal, or hazy." Also a recognition of self breaks down (hence the name). When a person suffers from the disorder (or the symptoms associated with the same) he or she finds that when he or she looks in the mirror that his or her face is not familiar though logically he or she is completely aware of his or her identity.

An alteration in the perception or experience of one's self, so that the self is felt to be unreal, detached from reality or one's own body or mental processes.

The condition is usually found in conjunction with other mental disorders, especially depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, certain neuroses, and may be engendered by use of marijuana. If reported together with more serious delusions, depersonalization is a sign of schizophrenia &mdash; an indication of the disintegration of personality. A sufferer from depersonalization can be especially susceptible to suicide, undertaking the suicidal process calmly and easily without real awareness.

People with this disorder often report that the depersonalization is stronger after waking from a nap.

The DSM-IV categorizes depersonalization disorder as a form of dissociative disorder.

The symptoms associated with depersonalization have a known connection with psychological trauma. However, if the problem develops into a disorder (persistent and recurring) then it is important to have it treated as it may lead to suicide, depression, lack of meaning, lack of joy, and general apathy.

Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, in his book On Killing, suggests that military training artificially creates depersonalization in soldiers, suppressing empathy and making it easier for them to kill other human beings.

Useful Resources
Depersonalization Community - Depersonalization Support Site Support site for those suffering from depersonalization and derealization. http://www.dpselfhelp.com

DreamChild - Living with chronic depersonalization Personal page of experiences and advice by one sufferer of chronic depersonalization disorder. http://www.dreamchild.net

Depersonalization.info In-depth explanation of depersonalization, as well as a message board for those suffering from the disorder. http://www.depersonalization.info

Depersonalization Home A friendly online community for sufferers of depersonalization disorder. http://www.depersonalization-home.com/forum/