$Unique_ID{BRK03655} $Pretitle{} $Title{Depersonalization Disorder} $Subject{Depersonalization Disorder Depersonalization Neurosis Panic-Anxiety Syndrome (Panic Disorder) Agoraphobia} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1989 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. 632: Depersonalization Disorder ** IMPORTANT ** It is possible that the main title of this article (Depersonalization Disorder) is not the name you expected. Please check the SYNONYM list to find the alternate names and disorder subdivisions covered by this article. Synonyms Depersonalization Neurosis Information on the following diseases can be found in the Related Disorders section of this report: Panic-Anxiety Syndrome (Panic Disorder) Agoraphobia General Discussion ** REMINDER ** The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please contact your physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources" section of this report. Depersonalization Disorder is a psychiatric disorder affecting emotions and behavior. It is characterized by an alteration in how the patients perceive or experience their unique sense of self. The usual sense of one's own reality is temporarily lost or changed. A feeling of detachment from, or being an outside observer of one's mental processes or body occurs such as the sensation of being in a dream. Symptoms Depersonalization Disorder is marked by persistent or recurring episodes of loss of the sense of self (depersonalization), sufficient to cause marked distress. The usual sense of one's self or reality is temporarily changed or lost. A feeling of detachment from, or being an outside observer of one's mental processes or body occurs. The patient may feel as if he/she is in a dream. Various types of lack of sensory stimulation (sensory anesthesia) and a sensation of not being in complete control of one's actions, including speech, are often present. Depersonalization Disorder usually starts during adolescence or early adulthood. The disorder is usually chronic with periods of remission. More severe manifestations may be aggravated by mild anxiety or depression. The disorder usually disappears gradually. Causes Severe stress such as military combat or a car accident may trigger an episode of Depersonalization Disorder. Marijuana use may also cause attacks. The exact cause of the disorder is not known, but it is treated as a mental illness. Affected Population The prevalence and sex distribution of Depersonalization Disorder is not known. Brief periods of depersonalization during adolescence may be fairly common. Related Disorders The following disorders may be associated with Depersonalization Disorder as secondary characteristics. They are not necessary for a differential diagnosis: Panic-Anxiety Syndrome (Panic Disorder) is characterized by recurrent attacks of intense fear or discomfort beginning without warning. These attacks typically begin with the sudden onset of intense apprehension, fear, terror, or discomfort without apparent cause. At least four of the following symptoms may occur: shortness of breath (dyspnea) or smothering sensations; dizziness, unsteady feelings, or faintness; choking; palpitations or accelerated heart rate; trembling or shaking; sweating; nausea or abdominal distress; loss of one's sense of self (depersonalization) or feelings of unreality; numbness or tingling sensations (paresthesias); flushes (hot flashes) or chills; chest pain or discomfort; etc. (For more information, choose "Panic-Anxiety Syndrome" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.) Agoraphobia is the fear of being in places or situations from which escape might be difficult or embarrassing, or in which help might not be available in the event of a panic attack. As a result of this intense fear, people with Agoraphobia do not leave their home. Common situations that may trigger an agoraphobic attack include being outside the home alone, being in a crowd or standing in line, being on a bridge, or traveling in a bus, train, or car. Therapies: Standard Treatment of Depersonalization Disorder involves psychotherapy. The antidepressant drug desipramine may be beneficial. Other treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Therapies: Investigational This disease entry is based upon medical information available through April 1989. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder. Resources For more information on Depersonalization Disorder, please contact: National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 8923 New Fairfield, CT 06812-1783 (203) 746-6518 NIH/National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20205 (301) 443-4515 or (301) 496-1752 (800) 421-4211 (24 hrs.) National Alliance for the Mentally Ill 1901 N. Fort Meyer Dr., Suite 500 Arlington, VA 22209 (703) 524-7600 National Mental Health Consumer Self-Help Clearinghouse 311 S. Juniper St., Rm. 902 Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 735-2481 National Mental Health Association 1021 Prince Street Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 684-7722 References DESIPRAMINE: A POSSIBLE TREATMENT FOR DEPERSONALIZATION DISORDER: R. Noyes, Jr., et al.; Canadian Journal Psychiatry (December 1987: issue 32(9)). Pp. 782-784. DEPERSONALIZATION IN A NONCLINICAL POPULATION: D. Trueman; Journal Psychol (January 1984: issue 116 (1st half)). Pp. 107-112. DEPERSONALIZATION AND AGORAPHOBIA ASSOCIATED WITH MARIJUANA USE: C. Moran; British Journal Med Psychol (June 1986: issue 59(pt 2)). Pp. 187-196.