Understanding Depersonalisation Disorder
Dr. Sheri Jacobson
March 4, 2023
Depersonalisation disorder (DPD) is a mental illness that has been medically documented for over 100 years but is still relatively unknown by the public. It can cause feelings of becoming ‘crazy’, or like a zombie from a horror movie.
Often those who suffer from depersonalisation disorder feel isolated, anxious, depressed, and despairing because they believe they are the only ones with their symptoms.
Statistics have shown that this is not true, and estimates place Depersonalisation disorder as one of the most commonly occurring mental health issues.
Leading experts on depersonalisation disorder estimate that at least 2% of the UK population suffer from it, which adds up to at least 600,000 people. In fact depersonalisation disorder occurs almost as often as obsessive compulsive disorder or schizophrenia.
Precise statistics about this disorder, however, are difficult. Those who suffer from depersonalisation disorder are often misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety or don’t share their real feelings with a professional as they fear that label of ‘crazy’. Some mental health professionals also fail to recognise the symptoms.
Definition & Symptoms of Depersonalisation Disorder
Depersonalisation disorder classifies as a dissociative disorder in the DSM 
(Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders). Strict criteria need to be met in order to give a positive diagnosis, and it is important that a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist stick to these criteria given how tricky this disorder can be to identify.
Individuals who suffer from the disorder may have symptoms that include:
- Feelings of being outside oneself, including mental activities, body, or parts of the body
- Feelings of automation, i.e. feeling trapped in a dream or movie
- Sensory anaesthesia, a lack of emotions
- Sensations of lacking control over one’s actions, i.e. speech or motor functions
- Emotional or physical distress as a result of the symptoms of the disorder
As mentioned above, DPD is often misdiagnosed because its symptoms resemble other disorders such as anxiety or depression. Depersonalisation disorder can exist alongside and be aggravated by depression and anxiety, or it can be the condition that came first.
Both men and women suffer equally from depersonalisation disorder. It is commonly induced by experiences with childhood trauma (i.e. sexual, physical, or emotional). These traumas would be considered “less” severe than the traumas that can produce dissociative identity disorder (formally known as multiple personality disorder).
Case studies have pointed to depersonalisation disorder involving a genetic predisposition. It is also connected to the abuse of controlled substances, specifically marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, or ketamine (Special K). Experts believe that the effect these drugs have on the brain can push the predisposed person “over the edge” and bring about the disorder. Sometimes, though, this disorder develops on its own without the typically reported triggers such as trauma or drug use, which further adds to the mystique.
Treatment of Depersonalisation Disorder
Successful treatment for depersonalisation disorder is difficult because there is no pill or psychotherapy treatment that will “cure” this disorder, and there is limited clinical research into the best methods to help it.
But both medical and psychotherapy treatments exist, and sufferers typically experience some relief from their symptoms with these methods. This is especially true if the therapist concentrates on alleviating the symptoms, such as anxiety and obsessions. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been tested for its effectiveness for treating depersonalisation disorder and has shown measured success.
If you or someone you know has concerns that they are suffering from depersonalisation disorder, speaking to a professional can help. Research has shown that combining medication and psychotherapy, specifically CBT, are effective in the treatment for DPD. Harley Therapy has a team of psychiatrists and therapists who can further assist with depersonalisation disorder, in particular psychiatric diagnosis and treatment.
Do you have questions or experiences about Depersonalisation Disorder you would like to share? Please comment below, we love hearing from you.
I have been diagnosed with depersonalisation disorder. My previous psychiatrist said i was depressed but i know i’m not. It feels really hard when you always see mirror and you feel like a stranger. The world is like a dream and something everything looks unreal to me. I feel weird by just touching my body, feels like it doesnt belong to me. To make it worse, I suffer brain fog where i cannot concentrate at all and i also have poor memory lifespan. I cry every day as it badly affects my life and study. I’m taking medications now but they just dont work. When I told my parents and my friends about this, they think I’m just being paranoid. Hopefully, there’s a cure for this
That sounds really hard. It’s hard to feel good when we feel disconnected from ourselves. And it sounds like you are feeling misunderstood and experiencing emotional shock of some sort (https://www.harleytherapy.co.uk/counselling/7-warning-signs-acute-stress-reaction-emotional-shock.htm). It’s important to talk to others who can understand, whether that is a psychotherapist (they don’t prescribe medications, they just listen to you and support you), a support group, or an online forum. There are people who do understand, so don’t give up!
i have anxiety and derealisation. my environment seems alien. the sky in particular creates anxiety in me. the moon also gives me strange feelings of fear and dread. i am well aware of the ”madness ”of it.
i suffer from obtrusive distressing thoughts. some about the universe. looking at the sky gives me feelings of insecurity and fear for some reason. i feel detached all the time. my environment seems somewhat alien . very odd can you help
Thanks for getting in touch. First of all, don’t judge yourself as strange or beyond help. This could be one of many things. In fact it might simply be related to a childhood trauma. A child’s brain processes things in ways we can’t comprehend as an adult. As an example (not to relate it to you), a child being told a ‘parent left on a plane’ could leave them with irrational fear of the sky. And feeling detached all the time and not related to your environment could be related to childhood trauma, depression, or just being desperately unhappy with the life choices you made. All of these things can readily be helped with therapy. We’d advise you find an experienced counsellor or therapist you trust and feel you can work with and explore these issues.
Again, see above – not mad at all. The brain processes things in its own unique ways. And trauma in particular can program the brain in certain ways. Such things can actually clear up remarkably quickly with the right support. The only ‘mad’ thing would be not believing you deserve help with this.
Hi, I have been suffering with depersonalisation disorder since I was 14. It came on suddenly and changed my perspective on life entirely. I didn’t even know the disorder existed so I was living in fear that I have brain damage and found it really hard to explain to people what was going on with me and when I did I knew they didn’t understand. I’m on anti depressants at the moment but I feel like i’m still depressed and anxious a lot because of how differant I feel to everone else. I just want to hide away from everything. Taken a lot of time off work lately and i’m scared i’m going to lose my job if I remain in this dark hole. Would really appreciate it if I can speak to a therapist in this area.
We’d really agree that a therapist is a good idea. In fact we are huge advocates that any doctor who puts someone on antidepressants should also offer them access to counselling, although sadly this is not always the case in today’s pill friendly culture. Drugs mask symptoms but don’t get to the root of the issue or help you learn better life management skills, all necessary to move forward. If you are in London or happy to work over Skype, you can call our admin (0845 474 1724) and they can put you in touch with our therapists who work with this disorder.
Hi I wonder if you can help me I went into therapy a few years ago to try and get my head around some things that were happening in my life at the time which made me very anxious. I was anxious before hand and have always been a worrier. Well it was my first time in therapy so I didn’t know how to tell what was good or bad therapy. I felt very uncomfortable with her and new it was not right but I stayed because I thought I had to. Well over the months my anxiety got worse rather then better and I started to feel really strange and like dreamy. I read about depersonalisation which I probably shouldn’t have done as I think I convinced myself I had it. But when I read about it says that there is no therapy or pill that cures it. Does that mean it is something that last forever?
Hi I was wondering when you say there is no cure for this disorder, do you mean once you have it you are stuck with it or does it go away eventually by itself?
There is no ‘cure’ for any mental disorder in that mental disorders are not sicknesses you can find under a microscope then take a pill to get rid of. Medication and therapy are treatments, not cures. That said, there is always the possibility of great change via treatment. But first things first, do not jump to conclusions that you have depersonalisation disorder. Make an appointment with a therapist if you feel you have symptoms, as it could be something else entirely. As for something going away ‘by itself’, mental health issues inevitably occur due to a blend of genetics and childhood experience, so rarely just ‘go away’. You need to find support and also commit to a journey of self-development, or you’ll tend to repeat the same behavioural patterns again and again. Hope that helps.
Hi, no, it just means that it’s not like a virus where you can take antibiotics. There are treatments that can help tremendously.
I’ve experienced anxiety for as long as I can remember I was using cocaine and didn’t the damage I was putting my self under I had derealisation for about a year and a half straight but didn’t know what was going on whilst still using drugs I wish I understood back then what damage I was doing I ended up in prison where the doctor kept changing my anti depressants and my brain was stuck in a panic state for 3 months infelt horrific when I come home I couldn’t believe how I felt like the old 18 year old me I’m 22 and I look back and the years have been a blur from what I was doing. The doctor put me ion sertiline 2 weeks ago and boom it’s taken me back to the person I was back then and now my brain had shut off from the chronic anxiety and now incompetent back in the derealisation state and dunno how to get back into realisty. It’s scary and don’t know that to do.
Oh gosh this sounds hard. And undoubtedly you had some trauma in your earlier life to lead to this sort of difficulty, one would imagine. We don’t end up taking drugs for fun, but to hide difficult feelings and to cope. It’s always hard for us to hear stories where individuals have been put on medication without any support. What you need is someone to talk to, someone you can trust, someone who doesn’t judge you for sharing your feelings and thoughts. In other words a professional therapist or counsellor. Who can help you slowly worth through the trauma that left you so anxious in the first place. It’s also hard to get out of prison, that in itself is an adjustment and trauma. We imagine you are in the USA from the sounds of it, we are a UK company, so we don’t know the system there. But do look into charities that support ex-prisoners,that might provide free counselling, or try to find any sort of free or low cost counselling if you can’t afford to pay for it. You are a strong person to get through all this, and it will take some more strength to find support. But we do believe there is hope for you. Anxiety is actually very responsive to therapy. With time commitment and courage, you can progress. We wish you well.
Hi
I have had DP on/off for 15 years , 10 months of the year i can feel fine and not feeling any DP , but it’s triggered by Overwhelming OCD demands and change , whether it be at work or home , I’ve had it for 2 and a half months now and everytime I think it’s the worst episode I’ve been through , but there all bad , I just worry this time it may be chronic as it’s gone over the 2 month mark , plus I’m currently signed off work sick due to it so I need to fill my time in other ways , which is hard because I dwell from time to time and more , and also this time I am taking medication for it which I have never done so before , so that’s why it feels different this time , can you give me advice , pointers or just wise words , Thankyou
Chris
Hi Chris, we are sorry to hear all this. Do you have a professional diagnosis, or are you self diagnosed? And have you tried CBT therapy? It is very good, especially at helping stop rumination, dwelling on certain thoughts. And it’s a very unique kind of therapy as it doesn’t involve going over and over your past but just on getting control of your racing negative thoughts. Mindfulness is also a great help when we need to feel more connected to ourselves. And we have a free, easy to read guide here http://bit.ly/mindfulnessallabout. Finally, depersonalisation is often trauma related, and trauma can really leave us with so little self esteem. Anything you can do to be kinder to yourself would help a lot. Read about self compassion and try to do one thing a day just to be nice to yourself. Make a list of all the things you do for friends, notice what you say to friends. Can you treat yourself at least that nicely? Something to think about.
Hello Was wondering if you could help me understand. Had an extremely stressfull time recently , and started to see static in my vision. I went on citalopram and not only did the static increase but I see objects shimmering ( kind of like under a waterfall in my periphery) I know derealisation has some strange effects, Does this sound familiar at all ?
I still feel in my body and connected just my surroundings shimmer and covered with static
Hi Jay, we would advise you talk to a medical professional about that. We aren’t psychiatrists, we don’t actually prescribe medication, so we aren’t familiar with the exact side effects and are also not licensed to give any medical advice. From a psychotherapeutic view, stress and anxiety can have physical side effects, particularly if your sleep is affected. But again, in this case, please do see a doctor and possibly an eye doctor, the timing could be a coincidence and it might be a separate vision issue. Good luck!
My 11 year old son has told me he has derealisation, he thinks life isn’t real and he is in a dream, this is all day every day for a week and quickly turning into a nightmare. He has changed overnight from being the happiest, outgoing and talented little guy to a shell of himself. I’m terrified as there does not appear to be a route cause, no trauma at all, such a happy life and I desperately want to help him find himself again, we have had one therapy session this week but I worry he is too young to be able to cope with this, please can someone give me some light as reading more and more into this is making this feel even worse.
Hi there. First of all, we’d recommend a physical checkup to rule out any medical cause. Feeling spacey and unreal is not only the domain of psychological issues. As for a personality disorder, 11 is too young for any sort of personality disorder, it’s an age where the brain is still very much growing and changing. You say he has had no trauma or upsetting experience, but it’s impossible for a parent to know that, unfortunately. Children have experiences outside of parental control, such as being bullied or insulted at school. Second of all, trauma is the perspective of the sufferer and his or her brain. A parent disappearing for one day without notice but then coming back can be traumatic for one child but not at all affect another. The point being that it’s still very possible there was something that upset him, and feeling unreal can very much be a response to a challenging experience, so try not to jump to conclusions. Many, many children have nightmares. Again, not a sign of a personality disorder, nor is a child feeling life is a dream. We are also curious that your son told you he has derealisation. It’s a very big concept for a child to know. How did he learn about it? Did he read something on the internet that scared him? Or did you unknowingly translate this for him? You also say it’s only been a week. Reading or seeing something upsetting on the internet or TV can easily upset a child for a week or more. In summary, what concerns us here is also that you are going into complete panic. It’s not that we are not taking your child’s upset seriously. But children are not always happy, that is not normal. Children get sad and scared. Sometimes very sad and very scared, for a week or more. We are worried that your child not being perfectly happy (a very big expectation your child would feed into and try to meet, if he knew this is what made you happy) for just one week seems to be throwing you into a terror. Using words like ‘desperate’ and ‘terrified’. Children are remarkably resilient and able to cope. Adults, less so. Our question is, are YOU able to cope with this? Or are you uncomfortable that it is outside your control? So we first of all would advise a manual that helps you communicate in a way a child can understand and listen in a way a child actually feels heard, we find it remarkable for helping parents to help their children process experiences and emotions, it’s called “How to Talk so Kids Will Listen and Listen so Kids Will Talk’ by Faber and Mazlish. It’s great you got your child support, and we can see how much you love your child, but are you able to trust the process of the therapy, that will take time? Do not overlook seeking support for yourself. Parenting can be difficult and trigger all sorts of old anxieties that can mean we panic with what we can’t control. Best, HT.
Hi I’ve recently been trying to work out if I have something wrong with me mentally, I’ve come to understand that a sexual relationship i was in from 13 to 18 was/would be classed as abuse as I was a child an he was adult of 24 when it started. I have also come to realise I was raped at the age of 12 by another child of around the same age. Thing is I don’t really feel like it matters its in the passed and I didn’t even realise it at the time so don’t feel traumatised about any of it, in fact I don’t feel anything about anything which I what has lead me to this page. I can feel things like anger sadness and guilt some times but only every now an again an I can move on to quickly within a matter of hours. As an example in my life I have had 11 pregnancies all of which ended in miscarriage except one and I feel nothing now, the first few I was upset for a few days but then I felt like it didn’t happen or happened to someone else. As the numbers got higher I stopped feeling anything at all. I did manage to have my daughter now I know I love her but I feel like its buried deep inside me like I can’t access it which makes me feel awful when I think about it but again mostly I don’t stop to think about it or my lack of feelings. Life just seems to be passing me by like I’m waiting to die and I couldn’t care less. I know I should be revelling in the miracle of the child I so badly wanted but I don’t even feel like she is mine, I don’t know if thats because I’m waiting for something to happen like the others or I’m just so numb I can’t enjoy or appreciate that she’s finally here. My dad also died a few years ago and it was in a terrible way on his own, he was an alcoholic an was found face down in a puddle of his own blood, which i didn’t feel anything about i put it down to not talking to him in about 7 years but I think its more than that both my sisters we Distraught but i felt nothing. I went to the doctors hoping they would offer some help in the form of counselling but he didn’t seem to believe or care about what I was saying. I guess its hard to believe someone that says their struggling if they don’t seem upset or bothered about any of it, he did give a month’s supply of antidepressants which I took they didn’t seem to do anything tho and when it came time to have the repeat prescription it ment I had to talk to him first to get it, which I couldn’t be bothered with so never got more. After the abusive relationship ended, even tho I didn’t realise that it was abusive at the time, I started going clubbing and started taking all sorts of drugs the main one being ketamine id easily have between 5 and 10 grams over the weekend depending upon money, I’d also have lots Ecstasy occasionally cocaine and base. Anyway I’m now halfway bothered by all this now an don’t really know how to get help as I tried an nothing came of it, but the biggest problem with this is have the motivation and the desire to seek help as time just passes and for the most part I find it really hard to care that I’m struggling 😔 anyway if u got this far thanks for reading
Hi Vikki. We definitely wouldn’t jump to conclusions that you have depersonisation disorder. And we wouldn’t say there is something wrong with you mentally. We’d say your brain is working so well it’s efforts to protect you have led you to cut yourself off from feeling. Believe it or not, this is classic and ‘normal’ in abuse survivors. You see when we experience abuse as a child, we don’t know how to get away. So we can just make a deal to cut ourselves off from our feelings to ‘protect’ ourselves. It helps when we are going through abuse. The trouble is that we continue this coping mechanism long after it actually helps. We become an adult who is numb and just getting by. Because, you see, to repress all the anger and rage and pain, we also have to repress all the joy and excitement. They all come from the same source. It’s like a river. You’ve built a dam and nothing can get through. Addiction and abuse via drugs is also common. We seek to feel something, anything, and we also have low self worth so actually ‘abuse’ ourselves through negative habits. And you also sound, yes like you have depression. That doctor was an absolute… well let’s just say we are sorry you had that experience. You need to seek a second opinion. Was this in the UK??? We tend to find this more in the USA this tendency to prescribe meds without offering therapy. It’s leaking into our country and we find it really awful. But you say doctor instead of GP so assuming you are American. We don’t know how it works there, but see another doctor. Also, you don’t have to see a doctor to book therapy in the USA or UK. Here in the UK, if you by chance are here, you do have to go through your GP to get free therapy, but are then often stuck with a huge wait and don’t get to choose your therapist. If you have the budget, find a private therapist who feel you could learn to trust (unlikely given your history you’d trust anyone easily). And also know there are always ways to find cheap therapy if you put your mind to it, use our article for inspiration http://bit.ly/lowcosttherapy. But look, if you can afford to buy cocaine, you can afford therapy, see it as just putting your money in a different place, one that actually is a worthwhile investment, for both you and your child. Therapy is not a magic wand, or easy, it requires commitment, but you’d be surprised how much of this can be different in a few years if you make that commitment. Best, HT.
I got diagnosed 7 years ago with depersonlisaion disorder. I fell into it 7 years ago and have never came out of it, I have lost all hope I ever will. The first few years I remembered very clearly what reality felt like but it has been that long now I can’t remember. The best way I can describe what my worlds feels like is I feel permanently stonned my vision is like looking thru clingfilm. I feel this is more a physical condition rather than a mental health condition. I desperately can’t understand how something I have conducted up in my head has cost me such life changing physical symptoms. This is like something you would see in a horror movie. I am a perfectly able body person and I have absolutely no quality of life. I am at the stage I am seriously considering wither to continue on with my life. It is just not possible to life a normal productive life living in a world that doesn’t feel real.