Depersonalisation/Derealisation Disorder - Difference, Symptoms & Causes

Patients of depersonalisation and derealisation disorder feel as if they are outside observers of themselves. They have lost control over speech and movements. Moreover, there is a constant feeling that nothing is real around you. These are the primary signs of the disorder. This mental health condition is more commonly known by its abbreviation DDD.

Continue reading until the end to get some fascinating information about these mental health conditions.

This condition is a psychiatric disorder that affects human emotions and behaviour. Experts have characterised this condition by adaptation of how an individual understands their sense of self. Simply put, if you have this disorder, you might feel you are not real or are an observer of yourself.

Furthermore, you can experience that you have no body weight and can float around. This has been observed that depersonalisation disorder generally occurs between individuals of age 15 and 30.

This mental state makes individuals feel detached and disconnected from their surroundings. People have reported feeling that everything around them seems unreal. However, they are aware of the fact that this state of mind is not true.

Studies have shown almost every individual goes through this phase at least once in their lifetime. However, only 2% of the population experience derealisation disorder at higher intensity, which is now considered a dissociative disorder.

The symptoms of derealisation and depersonalisation are sometimes overlapping. Nevertheless, here are the different signs of both psychiatric disorders are:

Symptoms of Depersonalisation Disorder

• Recurring episodes of loss of the sense of oneself.
• Distress in social or occupational engagements.
• The notion of the self gets temporarily changed.
• It feels like you are in a dream.
• Lack of sensory stimulation.
• Unable to control any actions.

Symptoms of Derealisation Disorder

• Constant sensing that you are in a fog.
• Feels like the surrounding is separated by a veil.
• Everything around feels lifeless or fake.
• Sometimes, objects may appear of unnatural size.
• Sounds hurt as they feel very loud and distorted.
• Tracking time feels challenging as it seems, either running at extreme speed.

Experts have not figured out the exact causes of depersonalisation and derealisation. Genetics and surroundings can have some impact on causing such dissociative disorders. Stress and a sense of fear may also trigger specific episodes.

Some popular causes that can push these mental conditions are listed below:

Common Causes for Depersonalisation

• Intoxication with drugs and alcohol.
• Episodes of panic attacks.
• Depression cycles.
• Traumatised instances from the past.
• Genetic history.
• Stressed lifestyle.
• Experienced childhood with troubled parents.

Common Causes for Derealisation

• Dementia.
• Seizures.
• Drug abuse.
• Schizophrenia.
• Panic attacks.
• Amnesia.
• Panic attacks.

People who experience depersonalisation and derealisation disorder are vulnerable to developing more severe conditions. The following are certain risk factors for DPDR:

• Development of Some Personality Traits: Those with severe conditions of DPDR are seen developing characteristics that make them avoid difficult situations. However, some instances have reported that individuals also find it hard to adapt to their immediate surroundings.
• Experiencing a Traumatic Event: People with DPDR remember if they ever had witnessed or experienced a traumatising incident, even if it happened when they were young. Furthermore, they keep dragging themselves into that period whenever anything triggers that trauma.
• Prolonged Depression: Exposure to depression and not having any treatment for the same is a common risk factor for derealisation and depersonalisation disorders. This is because many people do not acknowledge that depression requires medical attention. Hence, it develops other risk factors like anxiety and panic attacks.
• Getting Involved with Substance Addiction: Those who suffer from symptoms of derealisation and depersonalisation are often found using recreational drugs. This is likely because it eases their way of dealing with the symptoms.

Feeling a little disturbed with yourself or your surroundings is quite normal. However, you should consult a professional when the signs interfere with your daily lifestyle.

After you report such instances to your care provider, they will inquire about specific details. This includes whether you have episodes of derealisation disorders, depersonalisation, or both. You may also be asked if you are distressed about the symptoms and if that is causing any additional ailment. Other diagnostic processes specific to the diseases are:

Diagnosis for Depersonalisation

• Monitoring a complete physical examination.
• Carrying certain lab tests to check if there is any underlying medical condition.
• Running a psychiatric evaluation to understand the symptoms.

Diagnosis for Derealisation

• Checking the physical conditions for any causes.
• Running imaging tests like X-ray, MRI, EEG.
• Going through a urine screening test to look for any toxic chemicals.

Experts, when treating depersonalisation and derealisation, they include similar processes. However, it mainly revolves around certain medicinal and therapeutic approaches. For instance:

• Medication: Doctors generally do not prefer prescribing medications from DPDR. Only if the situation is difficult and it involves anxiety then they prescribe antidepressants like desipramine. Furthermore, if you have a case of severe anxiety, you will be given drugs like dextroamphetamine and amobarbital (Amytal) combined with chlorpromazine (Thorazine). Other medications doctors may prescribe to treat other symptoms or support those prescribed drugs.
• Psychotherapy: The ideal treatment for derealisation and depersonalisation, is Psychotherapy. Almost every psychiatric professional uses CBT or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. This process teaches different strategies for restricting obsessive thinking and the sense that things are not real. Therapies have proven beneficial as they help the patients to closely identify the main cause and its triggers that nudge certain episodes. In addition, CBT lets the individuals explore distraction techniques like Grounding and Psychodynamic approaches.

Generally, experiencing minor signs and feelings of detachment and distortion is not a concern. Yet, if the symptoms of derealisation and depersonalisation keep coming back, it is better to seek professional help. Repetitive signs indicate there is some serious issue of dissociative disorders.

If you go through these situations, it is time to see a doctor:

• The symptoms are disturbing, and you are also very emotionally disruptive.
• Those feelings keep coming back.
• It is now interfering with your work, relationships, and other aspects of your life.

As mentioned in the above sections, everyone experiences depersonalisation and derealisation, but only a few cases need medical assistance. Some suggest the symptoms can fade on their own if acknowledged early. Therefore, you follow these tips to prevent DPDR:

• Accept and acknowledge whatever you are feeling.
• Take deep breaths and calm down to help curb the stress.
• Listen to your favourite music; this can distract you from those anxiety attacks.
• Read a book or anything that keeps your brain engaged in hiding those feelings.
• Try to get your intrusive thoughts because it is challenging for those who live with DPDR.
• Talk to someone you trust, and share your thoughts.

These activities can help if you have been experiencing depersonalisation or derealisation disorder for a short period. However, if your condition is for a long time, you can do this:

• Take therapeutic assistance. Talk therapy, in particular, is beneficial in severe conditions of DPDR.
• Study more about the condition and how it affects your brain. You can also read the experiences of others who face similar problems.
• Experts suggest resting when your body feels tired, and getting REM sleep is essential for everyone.
• Another way to manage stress is by doing some physical exercises. Even if it is simple freehand workouts, it can help you keep your mind free from unnecessary stress.

We hope the above details have guided you on what depersonalisation and derealisation are. These two mental health conditions have overlapping symptoms, treatment methods, risk factors, and only one main difference. While depersonalisation concerns self-detachment, derealisation deals with separation from the surroundings.