Heightened states of stress and fear may trigger episodes. Symptoms of depersonalization-
The disorder is usually triggered by severe stress, particularly emotional abuse or neglect during childhood, or other major stresses (such as experiencing or witnessing physical abuse). Feelings of detachment from self or the surroundings may occur periodically or continuously.
Health Research Funding reports that stress and anxiety are the primary causes of derealization, and that women are twice as likely to experience it as men. Up to 66 percent of people who experience a trauma will have some form of derealization.
Many people experience depersonalization as a result of intense stress and/or anxiety. Although the exact reason(s) why depersonalization occurs, there are some hypotheses around it being a way one's brain copes with stress. When a person becomes extremely overwhelmed by emotion, the result is intense stress.
Derealization can last for as long as the panic attack lasts, which can range in length from a few minutes to 20 or 30 minutes. In some cases, however, these sensations can persist for hours and even days or weeks.
The most common way to treat depersonalization disorder is through psychotherapy. “Psychotherapy can help individuals learn techniques or coping mechanisms that distract them from their symptoms and make them feel more connected to their feelings and the world around them,” says Dr. Hafeez.
The outlook for people with this disorder is good. The symptoms associated with depersonalization disorder often go away. They may resolve on their own or after treatment to help deal with symptom triggers. Treatment is important so that the symptoms don't come back.
The exact cause of depersonalization disorder is not known. A traumatic event such as military combat, a car accident, or being a victim of a violent crime may trigger an episode of depersonalization disorder. Substance use may cause depersonalization episodes, but not the disorder.
Many of us have had the thought, “I feel like I'm losing my mind” at one time or another. This thought may surface in times of heightened stress, but it can also be a manifestation of a mental health condition, such as anxiety,1 panic disorder,2 or depersonalization.
Psychotherapy, also called counseling or talk therapy, is the main treatment. The goal is to gain control over the symptoms so that they lessen or go away. Two such psychotherapies include cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy.
Derealization is a feeling of detachment from your external surroundings and a common anxiety symptom. When someone experiences derealization anxiety, they may feel as though something is off in reality and the world around them is essentially crashing.
This is Not Psychosis
People with schizophrenia or psychosis commonly experience hallucinations or delusions that are difficult to distinguish from reality. Individuals with DR may feel strange about themselves or their surroundings, but they do not typically experience hallucinations or delusions.
Derealization sometimes can be a symptom of a medical condition. Other times, it can happen on its own, often in reaction to severe trauma or stress.
Some people with brain injury may also experience what doctors refer to as depersonalization (DP) and/or derealization (DR). Depersonalization describes the experience of feeling like you are removed from yourself or as if you are in a dream.
Depersonalization disorder, or depersonalization/derealization disorder, is a mental health condition that creates dissociative states of consciousness, which can be debilitating and highly stressful if left untreated.
Depersonalization-derealization disorder can be severe and may interfere with relationships, work and other daily activities. The main treatment for depersonalization-derealization disorder is talk therapy (psychotherapy), although sometimes medications also are used.
The driving itself will come to you naturally as the anxiety / DPDR thoughts fade away. So remember -- you are absolutely safe when driving with Depersonalization!
Severe stress, anxiety, and depression are common triggers for DPDR. A lack of sleep or an overstimulating environment can also make DPDR symptoms worse.
It's Depersonalization fatigue. DPDR is a condition that causes constant stress on the body and mind -- so of course it makes you tired!
You Stop Caring Whether DPDR Is There Or Not
This is a BIG sign that you're recovering from Depersonalization and Derealization! The feelings of DPDR (and the anxiety that's driving them) may come and go, but it affects you less and less.
Can Depersonalization turn into Schizophrenia? No, it can't. They are completely different conditions. Depersonalization is an anxiety spectrum condition, while Schizophrenia is an organic brain disorder.
A diagnosis is made when the dissociation is persistent and interferes with the social or occupational functions of daily life. While depersonalization-derealization disorder was once considered rare, lifetime experiences with it occur in about 1–2% of the general population.
Hallucinations, delusions, and episodes of depersonalization and derealization are also common experiences in those suffering from schizophrenia, as are phobias and severe anxiety.