Unlike with other psychotic disorders, people with DPDR know that their experiences ofdetachmentaren’t real.
This can leave them feeling concerned about their mental health.
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What Is Derealization vs. Depersonalization?
Therefore, DPDR symptoms can vary depending on whether depersonalization or derealization are experienced.
What Does Derealization Feel Like?
They may feel as if a glass wall is separating them from people they care about.
This aspect of disassociation can also create distortions in vision and other senses.
Depersonalization Symptoms
Depersonalization refers to feeling detached from yourself.
To diagnose DPDR, a doctor first makes sure there aren’t other reasons for symptoms.
A lack of sleep or an overstimulating environment can also make DPDR symptoms worse.
Risk Factors of DPDR
Some people are more vulnerable to psychiatric disorders than others.
These disorders are diagnosable conditions in which there’s a fragmented sense of identity, memories, and/or consciousness.
Others require targeted, personalized treatments to completely recover from DPDR.
Medications
There are no medications approved specifically for treating depersonalization/derealization disorder.
However, your healthcare professional may prescribeanti-anxiety drugsandantidepressantsto help ease or relieve DPDR symptoms.
A diagnosis of depersonalization/derealization disorder can be upsetting and confusing.
It’s also important to remind yourself that psychotherapy and perhaps medication can help treat DPDR.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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