What is depersonalization disorder?
Depersonalization disorder describes a state where the individual feels disconnected from his body. These people suffer from changed perception of reality and may feel as if they are not part of their body or environment. It may feel that their body is changing, dissolving or staying behind as if they have become an observer of their own life.
Also known as depersonalization neurosis, depersonalization disorder is considered one of many dissociative disorders, which is marked with the fourth issue of diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-IV). A dissociative disorder is when the memory, identity, perception and consciousness of a person disconnects from each other and is usually caused by a severe trauma, an intense level of internal conflict or the thoughts and feelings that the individual feels are forbidden. In depersonalization disorder, this is perception that becomes unrelated.
The most common cause of this disorder is abuse, physical, mental or sexual, but it can also be inhibitObeno post -traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorders, borderline personality disorders or acute stress disorder. It can also be associated with a previously existing other dissociative disorder. Drugs, deprivation of sleep and very high levels of stress can also lead to symptoms of depersonalization disorder, even if they wouldn't last long. In order to make the diagnosis, the feelings of changed reality must be almost constant. The feeling of disconnecting after a panic attack or an episode of PTSD does not mean that someone suffers from a disorder of depersonalization.
The diagnosis of this disorder is usually a question of exclusion. Doctors narrow the list of possible disorders until the depersonalization is not the only one. The use of diagnostic questionnaires can help doctors or psychologists to determine their diagnosis of dissociation disorder. From there, further survey can be used to limit the diagnosis to depersonalization disorder. Questions about these personality tests are open, which gives doctors a chance to learn more about the symptoms and severity of the Unity disorderLivka as well as a chance to determine the cause.
In some cases, depersonalization disorder is solved in itself. If the condition takes place and disrupted the patient's life, specialized therapy may be recommended. Cognitive-behavioral or psychodynamic therapy may be beneficial; Hypnosis was also successfully used in many cases. The type of therapy used is based on the best way to suit the needs of the patient.
In addition to therapy, some patients are also prescribed drugs such as Lorezapam or Doxepin. These drugs may include settling, antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIS). No one has shown that it is more effective than others; Like therapy, this is a determination that medicines or combinations of drugs will best help the patient.
Most patients who have been diagnosed with depersonalization disorder are fully recovered. This is especially true if the cause of the disorder has been associated with a traumatic event in the past of the patient as therapy mayto help the patient to deal with these past events. Some patients will experience a chronic depersonalization disorder, with episodes that may occur after a period of extreme stress, but these episodes are manageable through drugs.