Derealisation: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments

Introduction:

Derealisation is a dissociative disorder that involves experiencing a persistent or recurrent sense of unreality or detachment from one's surroundings. It can significantly impact an individual's perception of reality, leading to distress and impairment in daily functioning. In this blog post, we will explore derealisation, including its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and available treatments.

 

Stats and Prevalence:

Exact prevalence rates of derealisation disorder can be challenging to determine due to underreporting and misdiagnosis. However, studies suggest that derealisation affects approximately 2% of the general population at some point in their lives. It can occur at any age, but onset is most common during adolescence or early adulthood.

 

Symptoms of Derealisation:

·       Feelings of Unreality: Individuals with derealisation often describe a sense of detachment from their surroundings. They may feel as if they are observing the world through a foggy or dreamlike lens, leading to a reduced sense of reality.

 

·       Emotional Numbness: Many individuals with derealisation report a lack of emotional response or feeling disconnected from their emotions. This can contribute to a sense of detachment from oneself and others.

 

·       Altered Perception: Perception of time, space, and objects may become distorted. Colours may seem muted or overly vibrant, and objects may appear two-dimensional or artificial.

 

·       Cognitive Difficulties: Individuals may experience difficulties with concentration, memory, and decision-making. They may struggle to focus on tasks or find it challenging to process information.

 

Causes of Derealisation:

The exact causes of derealisation are not fully understood. However, several factors may contribute to its development:

 

·       Trauma and Stress: Derealisation can be associated with traumatic experiences, including physical or emotional abuse, accidents, or witnessing a distressing event. Severe stress or prolonged periods of anxiety can also trigger derealisation symptoms.

 

·       Mental Health Conditions: Derealisation can occur as a symptom of various mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or dissociative disorders.

 

·       Substance Use or Withdrawal: Certain substances, such as marijuana, hallucinogens, or sedatives, can induce derealisation as an effect. Withdrawal from substances like benzodiazepines or alcohol can also lead to transient episodes of derealisation.

 

Diagnosis of Derealisation:

Diagnosing derealisation involves a comprehensive assessment by a mental health professional. They will consider the individual's symptoms, medical history, and rule out any underlying medical conditions that may contribute to the symptoms. Criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) provide guidelines for diagnosing derealisation disorder.

 

Treatments for Derealisation:

·       Therapy: Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), has shown effectiveness in treating derealisation. CBT helps individuals identify and challenge distorted thoughts and develop coping strategies to manage derealisation symptoms.

 

·       Medication: In some cases, medications such as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to alleviate associated anxiety or depressive symptoms.

 

·       Stress Management Techniques: Learning stress reduction techniques, such as relaxation exercises, mindfulness, and grounding techniques, can help individuals manage episodes of derealisation.

 

·       Support and Self-Care: Building a strong support network and engaging in self-care practices, including regular exercise, healthy sleep patterns, and engaging in activities that promote well-being, can contribute to overall symptom management.

 

Conclusion:

 

Derealisation, characterised by a persistent sense of detachment and unreality, can significantly disrupt an individual's experience of the world. While the exact causes are not fully understood, factors such as trauma, stress, and underlying mental health conditions are believed to contribute to its development. Diagnosis involves a comprehensive assessment by a mental health professional, considering symptoms and ruling out other possible causes.

 

Fortunately, effective treatments and support options are available. Psychotherapy, especially cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), can help individuals identify and challenge distorted thoughts while developing coping strategies. Medications may also be prescribed to address associated anxiety or depressive symptoms. Additionally, stress management techniques, support networks, and self-care practices play vital roles in managing derealisation episodes.

 

It's crucial for individuals experiencing derealisation to seek professional help and remember that they are not alone in their journey toward recovery. By gaining a deeper understanding of this condition, raising awareness, and accessing appropriate treatment, individuals can find hope and regain a sense of connection and reality in their lives.