Depersonalization is a dissociative mental state where an individual feels fundamentally detached or estranged from their own self, body, and thoughts. It is often described as feeling like an of one’s own life, or as if living in a dream, a movie, or functioning like a robot. While it can be a symptom of various psychiatric conditions, it is most formally recognized as part of Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder (DPDR) . Core Symptoms and Experiences
: Unlike psychosis, individuals with depersonalization remain aware that their perceptions are internal and do not reflect objective reality. Causes and Prevalence The Prevalence of Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder Depersonalization (1.13 GB)
: Visual or tactile distortions, such as objects appearing flat or sounds seeming distant. Depersonalization is a dissociative mental state where an
: Feeling disconnected from physical sensations or parts of the body, sometimes described as feeling "behind glass". : A lack of emotional reactivity or the
: A lack of emotional reactivity or the sense that one’s emotions no longer belong to them.
Individuals experiencing depersonalization report a profound "split" between an observing self and an acting self. Key manifestations include: