Zeitwahrnehmungsstörungen

Zeitwahrnehmungsstörungen, also known as disturbances in the perception of time, refer to subjective alterations in the experienced flow, duration, or sequence of time. These disorders are not necessarily indicative of a primary temporal deficit but rather a consequence of various underlying neurological, psychological, or physiological conditions. They can manifest in several ways, including the feeling that time is passing too quickly (beschleunigte Zeitwahrnehmung) or too slowly (verlangsamte Zeitwahrnehmung). Individuals might also experience a distortion of temporal order, where events seem to occur out of their chronological sequence, or a general disorientation regarding the present moment.

The causes of zeitwahrnehmungsstörungen are diverse. Neurological conditions such as temporal lobe epilepsy, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's can disrupt the brain's internal clock mechanisms. Psychological factors, including severe stress, anxiety, depression, and certain dissociative disorders, can also profoundly affect time perception. Furthermore, the use of psychoactive substances, high fever, and extreme fatigue can induce temporary alterations in how time is experienced. Treatment for these disturbances typically focuses on addressing the underlying cause, which may involve medication, psychotherapy, or rehabilitation. Understanding the specific nature and context of the temporal distortion is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management.