The symptoms of this disorder can be similar to those associated with certain medical conditions, or the side effects of medications, substance use, or substance withdrawal. How Is DDD Diagnosed?Īccording to the DSM-5, to be diagnosed with depersonalization-derealization disorder, an individual must experience persistent or recurring feelings of disconnectedness or dissociation, and they must interfere with or significantly affect the social or occupational functioning that’s necessary for daily living. Finally, both depression and anxiety are associated with symptoms of depersonalization and derealization. For genetic factors, one study has linked the genes ADCY8 and DPP6 to the cognitive process that underlies dissociative phenomena. Environmental factors that may trigger episodes can vary, and may include different sights, smells, sounds, touches, or even events like natural disasters. Certain genetic and environmental factors may cause the symptoms of this disorder as well. ![]() The Merck Manual states that depersonalization/derealization disorder may be triggered later in life by severe stress. It may also occur because of the use of or withdrawal from alcohol, prescription drugs, or recreational drugs. If left untreated, a child who develops depersonalization-derealization disorder may continue to use the same coping mechanisms in response to abuse, severe stress, or traumatic situations during early adulthood, or even later.Īccording to the Cleveland Clinic, depersonalization and derealization may also be signs of another condition like a seizure disorder, brain disease, or a psychiatric or psychotic disorder. Many mental health professionals believe that because personal identity is generally formed in childhood and rooted in childhood trauma, children often find it easier to disconnect from reality during times of abuse or severe emotional stress as a coping mechanism. Individuals who experienced or were exposed to neglect or abuse as children-whether that be physical, sexual, or emotional abuse-are at higher risk of developing either depersonalization-derealization disorder or other mental disorders that include its symptoms. However, there is often a strong correlation between these symptoms and severe trauma in someone’s past. This means it can be difficult to pinpoint their exact cause. What Causes This Disorder?ĭepersonalization and derealization may be symptoms of a few different mental health disorders, or they may be classified as a disorder (DDD) on their own. This means that when someone is experiencing the negative feelings associated with anxiety or the onset of panic attacks, their surroundings become foreign to them while the brain tries to process the stress of the situation. It often occurs when the mind is overly stressed and attempts to detach from the rest of the world as a coping mechanism. Perceive their surroundings as blurry or unreal or, alternatively, feel like all their senses are heightened, like they are extremely aware of where they areįinally, anxiety is a prevalent symptom of DDD as well.Feel disconnected from others, especially emotionally.Individuals experiencing derealization may: Feel a detachment from and a lack of emotion associated with memories, which may cause the individual to question whether those memories are real or their own.Have a heightened awareness of surroundings. ![]() Have disturbances in self-perception, such as confusion about one’s personality or physical state of being. ![]()
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