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$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.