Derealization is a change in the environment of an individual, where the world around him seems unreal or unknown. In depersonalization disorder there is a distortion in the perception of one's own body, feelings and thoughts. The person feels alien to him, as if they do not belong to him. They often feel their bodies as if they were out of an automaton or a robot, as if they saw it from the outside, like in a dream or a movie.
Derealization is shown in the strange sensation that the subject experiences when observing reality through a kind of gray veil that makes appearance difficult and steals sharpness even in broad daylight. It is as if the person is positioned behind that glass and cannot have direct contact, a close experience of reality itself.
Derealization symptoms consist of the feeling of being disconnected from the environment (people, objects or furniture), which seems unreal. The person may feel as if they are in a dream or immersed in mist or as if a glass wall or veil separates them from their surroundings. The world appears lifeless, colorless, or artificial. The world can seem distorted. For example, objects may appear blurry or unusually clear or flat, or larger or smaller than they actually are. Sounds may appear louder or softer than they are. The time may seem too slow or too fast.
These symptoms almost always cause great discomfort. For some people they are unbearable. Anxiety and depression are common. Many fear that the symptoms are the result of irreversible brain damage. Many are concerned about their actual existence or repeatedly check whether their perceptions are real.
Stress, a worsening state of depression or anxiety, a new environment or overstimulation, and lack of sleep can make symptoms worse.
The symptoms are often persistent. It is possible that:
- Repeat in episodes (in about a third of people).
- It occurs continuously (in about a third of people).
- Become continuous (in about a third of people).
People often have great difficulty describing their symptoms and believe or fear that they are going crazy. However, they are always aware that their experiences of disconnection are not real, but are only reflections of their feelings. This awareness of illness is what distinguishes depersonalization disorder from psychotic disorder. People with psychotic disorder lack knowledge of the illness.
Treatment of derealization disorder: Psychotherapy, sometimes anxiolytics and antidepressants. Derealization disorder can resolve without treatment. Treatment is only indicated if the disease is persistent, repetitive, or causes severe discomfort.
