Depersonalization Disorder

Depersonalization disorder is a change in how people see themselves. They feel detached from their own mind or body, like they are observing themselves from the outside. It may make them feel like they are in a dream.

Symptoms of this disorder include:

• feeling detached from your own body and thoughts, even though you know that you are not.
• seeing common objects and familiar situations as strange or foreign
• seeing yourself from a distance, as if you were outside of your body watching a movie of yourself
• purposely hurting or cutting yourself in order to feel real.

These symptoms may be very frightening. Sometimes people with this disorder also have panic attacks or become depressed.

Depersonalization often occurs after an accident, assault, emotional trauma, or serious illness or injury. The exact cause of this disorder is not known. It may be caused by differences in the brain or nervous system. It might also be related to things such as child abuse or a family history of mental illness.

It often begins at an early age, from around puberty to the late twenties. Depersonalization can last from a few minutes to many years.

Your health care provider will ask about your:

• symptoms
• relationships
• medical history
• substance abuse history
• family history of mental illness.

Your provider may also do a physical exam and order tests to rule out medical conditions as a cause of your symptoms.

This disorder often gets better without treatment. Antianxiety and antidepressant medicines may help. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a way to help you identify and change thoughts you have that are not realistic. CBT can help you be aware of unhealthy ways of thinking and learn new thought and behavior patterns. Hypnosis may be useful for some people with this disorder.

You may find it helpful to call the National Mental Health Association (NMHA) at 800-969-NMHA (969-6642). Their Web site address is http://www.NMHA.org.