For instance, people with borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia sometimes experience dissociation.

These areas are:

Breaks in this system of automatic functions can cause dissociation symptoms.

Both of these are serious mental health issues.

Serious mature woman with family in background

JGI / Jamie Grill / Getty Images

An example of depersonalization is an out-of-body experience, where people see themselves from above.

This survival mechanism lets them feel that whatever is occurring “is not happening to me.”

In states of derealization, people are detached from their surroundings.

This makes them feel that their situation isn’t real or “just a dream.”

Causes of Dissociation

Several factors can play a role in the development of dissociation.

Among the potential causes are trauma, drug use, and other mental conditions.

Drug Use

Substance usecan also cause dissociation.

Other Mental Conditions

Certain mental health disorders can also cause symptoms of dissociation.

PTSD, for example, is often characterized by symptoms of dissociation and detachment.

They may also refer you to a mental health professional for diagnosis.

Several assessments can be used to help evaluate and diagnose dissociation.

Psychotherapy

Your health provider may recommend psychotherapy to help treat dissociation.

However, there are some medicines that can be prescribed to help manage its symptoms.

If the dissociation is due to a psychiatric condition such as schizophrenia, your health provider may prescribe anantipsychoticmedication.

Research has also connected dissociation with worsened psychiatric symptoms in the future.

This is a form of revictimization known as “sitting duck syndrome.”

Taking the time tofind the right therapistcan help avoid this throw in of situation.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Should this happen, you could automatically enter a dissociative state at the first hint of potential trauma.

If the situation isn’t actually threatening, you may appear “spaced out” to others.

Talk to your health provider if you think you might be experiencing symptoms of dissociation or a related condition.

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