Table of Contents
What is the difference between dissociation and depersonalization?
Here in this post, we are discussing “What is the difference between dissociation and depersonalization?”. You can read more about psychology-related material on our website. Keep visiting Psychology Roots.
When a person experiences depersonalization or dissociation, they enter a dreamy condition in which they are disengaged from reality. It’s possible that things won’t feel as “real” as they need to. Depersonalization and dissociation are symptoms of PTSD and other mental health disorders as well as substance abuse of varying degrees.
It’s possible the individual may feel as if they’re looking in on oneself from afar. Occasionally, people assume false personas. The individual may do a “reality check” and knows that their experiences are out of the ordinary. One feature of dissociation is depersonalization. It’s used to define a state of disconnection, often from one’s own sense of self and history.
It has been linked to the psychological state of derealization, which involves a dissociation from or a skewed interpretation of one’s immediate environment.
Causes
Although the specific aetiology of dissociation is unknown, it is common among survivors of childhood abuse, severe violence, war, or abduction. It’s a healthy response to overwhelming emotions over events beyond of one’s control and a technique to emotionally distance oneself from painful memories. The American Psychiatric Association states that onset of symptoms may occur at any time throughout childhood or adolescence. As a matter of fact, fewer than 20% of persons with depersonalization-derealization condition report their initial symptoms appearing after the age of 20.
Risk factors
Dissociation and depersonalization are more likely to occur when a person is exposed to any of a variety of risk factors.
- Recreational drugs: Some substances used for pleasure might alter brain chemistry in ways that can lead to depersonalization.
- Ketamine: This dissociative anaesthetic is often used for recreational purposes. There are others who may try it in order to have a “out-of-body” experience.
- To consume cannabis: Dissociation and depersonalization are rare but possible side effects of cannabis usage and withdrawal.
- Alcohol and hallucinogens: This may cause depersonalization in certain persons.
Depersonalization and other perceptual problems have been observed by benzodiazepine withdrawal patients.
Other Prerequisites
The majority of persons who suffer from depersonalization also deal with another mental illness. Under certain circumstances, dissociation may take place, including but not limited to:
- depression
- schizophrenia
- epilepsy
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- disease of the nerves
- Affective Disorders Related to Trauma (PTSD)
- migraine
Dissociation and depersonalization disorders
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) identifies the following as examples of dissociative disorders:
- Involuntary memory loss, or dissociative amnesia: It is human nature to forget details about one’s past or one’s own life.
- Depersonalization-derealization disorder: Symptoms of this condition include detachment from one’s body, a sense of unreality, and the inability to identify one’s reflection in a mirror. Alterations in physiological experiences and a diminished capacity to behave emotionally are also possible.
- Dissociative identity disorder: The individual loses their sense of self and begins to feel like an outsider in their own body. The way they act or write might change depending on the time of day or the mood they’re in. Multiple personality disorder is another name for this condition.
The goal of religious and meditation activities among various civilizations is depersonalization. There is no chaos here.
Symptoms
There are several mechanisms through which dissociation may occur. Symptoms may include, according to a research published in Access Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, shifts in perceptual experience and emotional reactivity
Some examples of what a person could go through are as follows:
- feeling detached from one’s physical body, as if one were floating in space or watching one’s own life unfold on the screen.
- feeling emotionally and physically detached
- a state of mind in which one believes that one is living in a dream and that all of one’s surroundings and experiences are fictitious instability; a feeling of being unable to influence their behaviour
- memory lapses, often involving certain individuals, times, or places
- actions like checking one’s reflection over and again to make sure they’re genuine
Some individuals may really relocate to a new location and assume a new identity there. It’s possible the person has forgotten who they are. Dissociation and anxiety may both play a role in the onset of both conditions.
Diagnosis
A doctor will inquire as to the patient’s current symptoms and past health conditions. In order to rule out neurological disorders like epilepsy, the doctor may suggest a battery of tests. Diagnostic criteria for depersonalization disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) are as follows.
- The individual’s feelings of depersonalization or derealization are chronic or recurrent.
- A person having one of these experiences is aware that what is happening is not genuine.
- Distress and a lack of ability to do daily activities are the results of these symptoms.
- There is no other medical condition or drug usage that might be causing these symptoms.
Treatment
Medication and therapy have been shown to be helpful, but there is currently no cure for this problem.
Medications
Medication may be prescribed to manage coexisting diseases or symptoms, but therapy is the primary line of defence for depersonalization disorder. In the case of anxiety, depression, or panic attacks, antidepressants may be used as a treatment option. More study is required, but preliminary studies suggest that other drugs, including lamotrigine or naltrexone, may also be helpful.
Therapy based on the principles of cognitive behaviour (CBT)
Those who participate in this sort of psychotherapy are better able to identify the factors that contribute to their illness and develop a plan to address those factors as well as their symptoms. Depersonalization and dissociation are two symptoms that may be treated with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Help Us Improve This Article
Have you discovered an inaccuracy? We put out great effort to give accurate and scientifically trustworthy information to our readers. Please notify us if you discover any typographical or grammatical errors.
Make a comment. We acknowledge and appreciate your efforts.
If you have any scale or any material related to psychology kindly share it with us at psychologyroots@gmail.com. We help others on behalf of you.
