depersonalisering

Depersonalisation, or depersonalisering in Danish and Norwegian, is a dissociative symptom characterized by a persistent or recurrent feeling of detachment from oneself. People may feel as if they are an outside observer of their thoughts, emotions, or body, or that they have changed in some fundamental way. Derealization, a closely related experience, involves a sense that the external world is unreal or distorted. When these experiences are persistent and cause significant distress or impairment, they may be diagnosed as depersonalization/derealization disorder.

Symptoms are subjective and can include a sense of observing oneself from outside the body, emotional numbness, altered sense of time, and difficulties with memory or identity. Reality testing typically remains intact, meaning individuals recognize that their experiences are their own inner state rather than objective reality. Symptoms may fluctuate in intensity and can be triggered or worsened by stress, fatigue, anxiety, or drug use. Depersonalization can occur in the context of various conditions, including anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder, or as a primary dissociative disorder.

Causes and risk factors include psychological stress, trauma, and certain neurological factors that affect self-processing networks in the brain. Onset often occurs in adolescence or early adulthood. There is no single approved medication specifically for depersonalization, but treatment focuses on managing underlying or comorbid conditions. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-focused approaches, and mindfulness-based therapies, can be beneficial. Coping strategies include grounding techniques, regular sleep, and stress management.

Prognosis varies; many individuals experience improvement over time, while others may have persistent symptoms. Early intervention and addressing comorbid conditions generally support better outcomes.