Definition
Depersonalization is a disorder that manifests itself with the persistent or recurrent sensation of being detached from one's body or from one's mental processes.
Usually, this phenomenon is accompanied by the perception of being an external observer of one's own existence. Often, patients report their symptoms with great difficulty and fail to describe their emotions (alexithymia); in some cases, they may fear or believe they are about to go crazy. Unlike a psychotic disorder, however, subjects who experience depersonalization always maintain the awareness that their experiences of alienation are not real.
Depersonalization is often triggered by a significant stressful event and is considered a form of dissociative disorder.
However, the alteration of the experience and perception of the self can also occur transiently as a symptom of other conditions, such as anxiety, panic attacks and depression.
Depersonalization can also be found in life-threatening situations, acute intoxication with various substances (such as marijuana, hallucinogens, ketamine and ecstasy), convulsive disorders (seizures, strokes, etc.) or sleep deprivation.
Possible Causes * of Depersonalization
- Alcoholism
- Anxiety
- Panic attack
- Major depression
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Stroke
- Schizophrenia
