Depersonalization-derealization disorder

Depersonalization-derealization disorder (DPDR) is a dissociative disorder in which the person has persistent or recurrent feelings of depersonalization and/or derealization. Depersonalization is described as feeling disconnected or detached from one's self. Individuals may report feeling as if they are an outside observer of their own thoughts or body, and often report feeling a loss of control over their thoughts or actions. Derealization is described as detachment from one's surroundings. Individuals experiencing derealization may report perceiving the world around them as foggy, dreamlike, surreal, and/or visually distorted.

Depersonalization-derealization disorder is thought to be caused largely by interpersonal trauma such as early childhood abuse. Adverse childhood experiences, specifically emotional abuse and neglect, have been linked to the development of depersonalization symptoms. Feelings of depersonalization and derealization are common from significant stress, anxiety, or panic attacks. Individuals may remain in a depersonalized state for the duration of a typical panic attack. However, in some cases, the dissociated state may last for hours, days, weeks, or even months at a time. In rare cases, symptoms of a single episode can last for years.

Diagnostic criteria includes persistent or recurrent feelings of detachment from one's mental or bodily processes or from one's surroundings. A diagnosis is made when the dissociation is persistent, interferes with the social or occupational functions of daily life, and/or causes marked distress in the patient. While brief episodes of depersonalization or derealization are common in the general population, the disorder is only diagnosed when these symptoms cause substantial distress or impair functioning.

While once considered rare, about 1–2% of the general population are affect at some point. The long-term form of the disorder affects about 0.8 to 1.9%.