Depersonalization/Derealization

Depersonalization/Derealization involves persistent or recurrent feelings of detachment. Depersonalization is a sense of being disconnected from one’s body or thoughts, whereas derealization is the sense that one’s surroundings are unreal or dreamlike.

Key Points:

• Symptoms: Feeling “robotic” or “outside of oneself,” objects appearing foggy or distorted, emotional numbness.
• Triggers: Stress, trauma, anxiety, or substance use (e.g., marijuana, hallucinogens).
• Overlap: Can occur in dissociative disorders, anxiety disorders, and depression, or as a standalone disorder.
• Treatment: Grounding techniques, stress management, psychotherapy (especially CBT), and addressing underlying issues like anxiety or trauma.