Difference Between Depersonalization and Derealization

Depersonalization is an aspect of dissociation. Dissociation is a general term that refers to a detachment from many things. Depersonalization is specifically a sense of detachment from oneself and one's identity. Derealization is when things or people around seem unreal.

1. Can you have both depersonalization and Derealization?
2. What triggers Derealization?
3. Can you have Derealization without depersonalization?
4. Is Derealization a psychosis?
5. Does Derealization ever go away?
6. How do I get out of Derealization?
7. How is Derealization treated?
8. How common is Derealization?
9. How do I know if I dissociate?
10. Can alcohol Derealization?
11. Can CBD cause Derealization?
12. Is depersonalization a form of anxiety?

Can you have both depersonalization and Derealization?

Patients have persistent or recurrent episodes of depersonalization, derealization, or both. Patients know that their dissociative experiences are not real (ie, they have an intact sense of reality). Symptoms cause significant distress or significantly impair social or occupational functioning.

What triggers Derealization?

Severe stress, such as major relationship, financial or work-related issues. Depression or anxiety, especially severe or prolonged depression, or anxiety with panic attacks. Using recreational drugs, which can trigger episodes of depersonalization or derealization.

Can you have Derealization without depersonalization?

You cannot be diagnosed with derealization without also being diagnosed without depersonalization, but the experiences of both are different. Derealization focuses on a feeling of detachment from your environment. Objects, locations, and people appear different, but you appear and feel the same.

Is Derealization a psychosis?

The majority of people with depersonalization-derealization disorder misinterpret the symptoms, thinking that they are signs of serious psychosis or brain dysfunction. This commonly leads to an increase of anxiety and obsession, which contributes to the worsening of symptoms.

Does Derealization ever go away?

Most people eventually fully recover from depersonalization-derealization disorder. While some recover on their own, others require years of therapy. Most eventually experience a decrease or total end to symptoms. Episodes of depersonalization or derealization can be triggered by drug or alcohol abuse.

How do I get out of Derealization?

If you're experiencing derealization try using your senses in any way you can to bring yourself back to reality. Pinch the skin on the back of your hand. Hold something that's cold or really warm (but not hot enough to burn you) and focus on the sensation of temperature. Count or name items in the room.

How is Derealization treated?

The No. 1 treatment for derealization is psychotherapy. This form of talk therapy teaches you ways to share your experience and strategies to handle your episodes. Your doctor also may prescribe medication, mainly to ease any symptoms of depression or anxiety that come with the disorder.

How common is Derealization?

Experts estimate it occurs in about half of the population. It occurs in less than 2% of the population. It's rare for depersonalization/derealization to need treatment.

How do I know if I dissociate?

When a person experiences dissociation, it may look like: Daydreaming, spacing out, or eyes glazed over. Acting different, or using a different tone of voice or different gestures. Suddenly switching between emotions or reactions to an event, such as appearing frightened and timid, then becoming bombastic and violent.

Can alcohol Derealization?

The use of alcohol and certain drugs, especially cannabis, can contribute to the emergence of depersonalization disorder. The disorder is characterized by an episode of depersonalization/derealization that fades but returns and eventually become chronic.

Can CBD cause Derealization?

Pathogenesis. Some individuals who use cannabis will never experience depersonalization or derealization during or after cannabis use (5). However, depersonalization and derealization remain potential side effects of cannabis (12), of which many clinicians are unaware (5).

Is depersonalization a form of anxiety?

Depersonalization can be its own disorder, or a symptom of depression, drug use, or psychotropic medications. But when it occurs as a symptom of severe or prolonged stress and anxiety, experts agree that it's not dangerous — or a sign of psychosis — like many people fear.