If the dissociation is connected with drug abuse, treatment probably starts with detox and sobriety therapy, after which the episodes may subside. This can be complicated work because so many conditions cause these symptoms and correctly diagnosing them may be a challenge. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy are both favored approaches to treating both depersonalization and derealization on their own because both can help people learn strategies for managing the symptoms and for recognizing when an episode is beginning.Īnother avenue for treatment is to address the underlying conditions that cause derealization and depersonalization. As a rule, dissociative symptoms can be treated on their own with psychotherapy, which mostly consists of talking sessions with a psychologist or licensed clinical social worker. There’s no medical treatment for depersonalization or derealization on their own, but various approaches can help many people manage the dissociation and other unpleasant symptoms of these conditions. They can also develop as persistent conditions caused by long-term drug abuse, in which case the symptoms tend to occur independently of whether the person is currently using narcotics. Short-term use of recreational drugs can cause depersonalization or derealization as part of their immediate effects and then wear off as the drugs leave the body. These may be regular symptoms a person experiences frequently with the other symptoms of their disorders, or they can stand alone as a separate issue.ĭissociative disorders like these can also be the symptoms of substance abuse disorder. People with anxiety, depression, PTSD or various types of cognitive impairment may describe a feeling of unreality from time to time. Related Disorders and Substance Abuseĭepersonalization and derealization can occur alongside other, related disorders. When dissociation is caused by medications or other short-term conditions, it’s usually passing and may go away when the immediate cause is removed. Certain prescription drugs can also cause derealization, often psychotropic medications like Thorazine or Haldol. Alcohol, marijuana and various other recreational drugs, notably ecstasy, can trigger dissociation. In the short term, temporary episodes of both depersonalization and derealization can be caused by some chemical substances. Other stressors, such as difficult relationships, financial trouble or problems at work, have also been known to trigger depersonalization and derealization incidents. Stress from physical abuse, neglect, loss of a loved one or another traumatic experience can be the trigger for long-term, persistent depersonalization episodes. What Causes Depersonalization, Derealization or Other Dissociative Disorders?ĭepersonalization and derealization have similar causes, usually connected with some form of trauma. While some loss of self-awareness or feelings of detachment are normal for most people from time to time, depersonalization and derealization become serious dissociative disorders when they interfere with activities of a normal life. Both conditions can cause or worsen alienation from loved ones, loss of work or the inability to function independently without help. People living with this kind of perception disorder often describe feeling emotional detachment from themselves or other people or from events taking place around them. These senses may be temporary and mild, or they can be persistent and severe. Both are experienced as a feeling of separation from either the world or personal identity, and either can be felt on its own or together with the other. Depersonalization is usually used to describe the feeling of being disconnected from the self, while derealization usually refers to a similar dissociation from the outside world. Both cause a sense of disconnection from the real world, but they differ in their focus. What Are Depersonalization and Derealization?ĭepersonalization and derealization are superficially similar conditions, and they can have similar causes, but people tend to experience them differently. Depersonalization, together with derealization, are dissociative conditions you should understand better if you’re battling these persistent mental health issues. It’s generally associated with stress, trauma, anxiety and other emotional disorders, and treating it can make a world of difference in people’s quality of living. Will Insurance Cover Behavioral Treatment?ĭepersonalization is a common condition that may affect up to 2% of the population.Beacon Health / Value Options Insurance.Rehab Success Rate – Does It Really Work?.Shatterproof FHE Health (First Responders).

Depersonalization cure