Depersonalisation & Derealisation Disorder
Depersonalisation and derealisation disorder (DPDR) involves recurring or persistent feelings of detachment, dissociation, and disconnect from oneself and one’s surroundings. This can interfere with daily functioning and can feel very distressing.
Depersonalisation and derealisation can happen in various contexts and may sometimes be a symptom of another mental health disorder. For example, either or both may occur as part of depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In some instances however, they can occur on their own, as depersonalisation and derealisation disorder.
Depersonalisation is characterised by feelings of detachment from oneself, a bit like an outer body experience when one observes oneself from outside the body. It can make individuals feel as if they aren’t a real person, and sometimes they may feel as if they’re in a dreamlike state. Thoughts, feelings and sensations can feel unreal and faraway as if they belong to someone else.
Derealisation is the feeling of disconnection from one’s environment, and the world can feel unreal or distorted. An individual may experience their surroundings as surreal, hazy, or dreamlike. Objects can seem smaller or bigger than they actually are, or may seem to be changing shape or moving.
One can experience difficulty with memory, concentration, and may find it hard to remember things or focus on tasks.
Individuals can often feel a sense of detachment or disconnection from themselves, their thoughts, feelings, or sensations.
There is a feeling of observing one’s own thoughts, feelings, body, or surroundings from outside.
People can experience a decrease in the ability to experience emotions and may feel emotionally numb.
Some individuals will experience anxiety or panic attacks.
Some people experience a sense of being unable to control their thoughts or behaviour.
Individuals can experience a sense of unreality, this can feel like as though they are watching themselves and their life in a film or dream.
Some people may feel like time is passing too slowly or too fast.
Although the exact causes of DPDR are not clear, research suggests several potential factors that may contribute to the development of the disorder. The factors below do not necessarily mean someone will develop DPDR, and some who develop it may not have experienced the issues listed. In addition, sometimes DPDR can happen as a symptom of other mental health problems.
Genetic predisposition: Research suggests a possible genetic component, with some people being more predisposed to developing DPDR.
Brain chemistry: Neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin regulate mood and emotional states, an imbalance may contribute to the development of DPDR.
Trauma: It is thought that traumatic life events may trigger DPDR. This includes emotional or physical, accidents, neglect, or witnessing a traumatic event.
Stress and anxiety: Prolonged and high levels of stress and anxiety can create a vulnerability to DPDR. When individuals are anxious or stressed over a long period, they are more susceptible to the condition.
Substance abuse: The use of drugs, including alcohol can trigger DPDR, especially if the drug has psychoactive properties.
Sleep deprivation: Poor quality sleep, or a lack of it can also trigger the development of DPDR.
Physical health conditions: DPDR is sometimes associated with some medical conditions. For example, migraines, epilepsy, and Lyme disease.
If you’re experiencing DPDR it’s important to seek professional help. This may entail a visit to your GP, as well as psychotherapy. At Phinity we will start by conducting a thorough psychological and lifestyle assessment, this will help us to assess the best course of treatment with you.
Treatment may involve addressing issues around lifestyle, for example, improving sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding substances, including alcohol.
We may also suggest a course of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). This can help identify and change negative or irrational thought patterns that might be contributing to DPDR symptoms.
Sometimes ERP or exposure and response prevention therapy can be effective. This involves gradually exposing you to situations that normally trigger your symptoms.
We may also suggest mindfulness and other relaxation techniques which can aid stress management and anxiety, and therefore the triggers of DPDR symptoms.
There is also the option of depth work, which can help address other issues that might have contributed to, or caused DPDR to develop.
Ultimately, we will always discuss our recommendations with you so that your care is collaborative and suited to your needs.
Hands With Heart.
HIGHEST QUALITY TRAINING, ACCREDITATION & EXPERIENCE
INDIVIDUALIZED APPROACH UNIQUE TO YOU
SEE OUR REVIEWS TO LEARN HOW WE HELP
How Can Therapy Help Me?
How Often Should I Have Therapy?
Is Therapy Worth The Price?
Take the next step and Book Your Free Consultation Today!
Speak to our lead therapist who will carefully listen to your concerns, to understand what you want from therapy. If you decide to opt into therapy, we will match you to the most suitable practitioner so you can effectively achieve your goals.
This blog discusses the recent tragic loss of ASTRO’s Moon Bin & why KPOP has such high incidents of suicide.
Suicide(1)
Welcome to part 1 of a 3 part series about POCD, a form of OCD that focuses on paedophilic obsessions. Part 1 explores what POCD….
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)(1)
This blog follows Part I of the series and discusses doubts couples may face about entering into couples counselling.
Couples(2)
Founder, Rehanna Kauser welcomes you to Phinity and our homepage.
Rehanna discusses some of the issues we work with at Phinity Therapy.
Rehanna briefly discusses some of Phinity’s mental health services and the kind of care you can expect.
Most of us know about the stage theory of grief (i.e., the 7 stages) but do you know how to move through the stages in a healthier way? This video discusses a lesser known grief model to help process human loss.
At Phinity Therapy Birmingham, we offer bereavement counselling, including existential psychotherapy, and CBT.
So many mental health professionals aren’t there! Do you know what the differences are between a counsellor, psychologist, and psychiatrist? Learn now so you can judge best who can support your therapeutic needs!
Stay updated with the latest in mental health through our newsletters. Get valuable tips, hacks, and videos. Explore insightful mental health blogs. Enjoy special offers and be the first to know about new psychotherapy products and services.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.