What is Dissociation?
Dissociation is when a person feels detached from himself or his surroundings. It is a feeling of disconnectedness to one’s self or the world around him.
Many people experience dissociation through their lives, as it can occur in response to stress, trauma, or overwhelming emotions. While it can be a temporary coping mechanism, it may also be a symptom of certain mental health conditions.1
What is Depersonalisation/Derealisation Disorder?
In this disorder, these feelings of dissociation tend to last a long time or go away and come back multiple times. Individuals experience a persistent or recurrent feeling of:2
Depersonalisation
Where they feel detached from themselves, their bodies, or their thoughts, as if they observe themselves from a distance.
Derealisation
In which they feel disconnected from the surrounding environment and the world.
Symptoms of DP/DR Disorder
- Persistent feelings of detachment from self or environment.
- Feeling like an outside observer of one’s thoughts or body.
- Distorted sense of time, space, or identity.
- Emotional numbing or lack of responsiveness.
- Difficulty recalling personal information or memories.
- Anxiety or distress about the experiences.
- Feeling like living in a dream or observing life from a distance.
Causes of DP/DR Disorder
Individuals often have experienced severe stress or trauma. This could be being emotionally, physically, or sexually abused, neglected during childhood, witnessing domestic violence, or losing a loved one unexpectedly.
Episodes can be triggered by interpersonal, financial, or occupational stress; or comorbidities such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse.
Treatment Options at Mind Clinic
In Mind Clinic we follow a holistic approach in assessing and treating Depersonalisation/Derealisation Disorder.
Psychiatric Assessment
A personal interview, family history review, and specialized questionnaires to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Initial Plan
A customized roadmap which could include medications, therapy, or a combination of both based on your goals.
Therapy Approaches
Evidence-based care including CBT, IPT, DBT, and Eye Movement Desensitization Processing (EMDR).