Depersonalization disorder

Depersonalization disorder is a mental illness typified by episodes of feeling disengaged or detached from one's own body and thoughts. The disorder is categorized under a spectrum of illnesses called dissociative disorders.

Patients commonly describe a scenario where they observe their body from the outside. The episode may last minutes or may recur until it has become disturbing for the person since it affects their sense of reality. Furthermore when the occurrences keep on occurring, the patient’s activities and relationships with other people may be affected significantly. ^[1]

Epidemiology

Depersonalization event is common as it may be seen in various psychiatric illnesses. Being a separate disorder is rare. ^[2] More women are diagnosed with the disorder. ^[3]

Causes

The exact cause is unknown. The disease is thought to have resulted from imbalance of some brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. The episodes may start with no triggers at all. Severe stressful or traumatic experience is believed to be a predisposing factor in majority of cases. This may include war, abuse, tragedy, calamity or having witnessed a severely disturbing scene. One study found out that emotional abuse in childhood is a strong predictor of the illness later in adulthood. ^{[2] [3]}

Symptoms

Among the symptoms are incessant or recurring feelings of being an outside observer of one’s own body or thoughts, feeling of being a robot or loss of sensation. The affected person may feel like he or she is living in a dream or in a movie or that actions are beyond control. Sometimes the patient may claim that a part of his or her body is disfigured. Some may panic while some may go into depression. The episode may run shortly for hours or may persist and recur for weeks or months even up to years. ^[1]        

Diagnosis

A detailed medical history is important especially the description of the symptoms. A physical examination is conducted and laboratory exams are often done to exclude organic diseases and substance abuse. ^[4]

Treatment

The disorder may go away on its own. When it is recurrent or persistent, the patient may undergo treatment procedures such as insight-oriented psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Medications such as tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be helpful. Relaxation techniques are often beneficial. ^[3]

References:

1.      http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depersonalization/DS01149

2.      http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/dissociative_disorders/hic_depersonalization_disorder.aspx

3.      http://www.minddisorders.com/Del-Fi/Depersonalization-disorder.html