INFORMATION ON DEPERSONALIZATION DISORDER
Depersonalization disorder is characterized by feeling disconnected or detached from one’s body and thoughts. The disorder is usually described as feeling like you are observing yourself from outside your body or like being in a dream. However, people with this disorder do not lose contact with reality; they realize that things are not as they appear. An episode of depersonalization can last anywhere from a few minutes to many years. Depersonalization also might be a symptom of other disorders, including brain disease and seizure disorders.CAUSES OF DEPERSONALIZATION DISORDER
Causes of depersonalization disorder can be biological and environmental, intense stress, traumatic event such as war, abuse, accidents, disasters, or extreme violence that the person has experienced or witnessed.SYMPTOMS OF DEPERSONALIZATION DISORDER
The only and important symptom of depersonalization disorder is distorted perception of the body.DIAGNOSIS OF DEPERSONALIZATION DISORDER
If symptoms are found, the doctor will begin an evaluation by performing a complete medical history and physical examination. There are no laboratory tests to specifically diagnose dissociative disorders, the doctor might use various diagnostic tests—such as X-rays and blood tests—to rule out physical illness or medication side effects as the cause of the symptomsTREATMENT OF DEPERSONALIZATION DISORDER
Treatment for depersonalization disorder depends on the severity of symptoms, most commonly used treatment methods are:-Psychotherapy — Psychotherapy, a type of counseling, is the main treatment for dissociative disorders.
Cognitive therapy — This type of therapy focuses on changing dysfunctional thinking patterns and resulting feelings and behaviors.
Medication — There is no medication to treat the dissociative disorders themselves. However, a person with a dissociative disorder who also suffers from depression or anxiety might benefit from treatment with a medication such as an antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication.
