Depersonalization: Difference between revisions
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In [[psychiatry]], '''depersonalization''' (or '''derealization''') is the experience of feelings of loss of a sense of [[reality]]. A sufferer feels that they have changed and the [[world]] has become less real — it is vague, dreamlike, or lacking in significance. A sufferer is divorced from both the world and from their own identity and physicality. Often times the person who has experienced this disorder claims that life "feels like a [[film|movie]], things seem unreal, or hazy." Also a recognition (hence the name) of self breaks down. When a person suffers from the disorder (or the [[symptoms]] associated with the same) they find that when they look in the [[mirror]] that their [[face]] is not familiar though logically they are completely aware of who they are. |
In [[psychiatry]], '''depersonalization''' (or '''derealization''') is the experience of feelings of loss of a sense of [[reality]]. A sufferer feels that they have changed and the [[world]] has become less real — it is vague, dreamlike, or lacking in significance. A sufferer is divorced from both the world and from their own identity and physicality. Often times the person who has experienced this disorder claims that life "feels like a [[film|movie]], things seem unreal, or hazy." Also a recognition (hence the name) of self breaks down. When a person suffers from the disorder (or the [[symptoms]] associated with the same) they find that when they look in the [[mirror]] that their [[face]] is not familiar though logically they are completely aware of who they are. |
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The condition is usually found in conjunction with other [[mental_illness|mental disorders]], especially [[clinical depression|depression]] or certain neuroses. If reported together with more serious [[delusions]], depersonalization is a sign of [[schizophrenia]] — an indication of the disintegration of personality. A sufferer from depersonalization can be especially susceptible to [[suicide]], undertaking the suicidal process calmly and easily without real awareness. |
The condition is usually found in conjunction with other [[mental_illness|mental disorders]], especially [[clinical depression|depression]], [[PTSD]] or certain neuroses. If reported together with more serious [[delusions]], depersonalization is a sign of [[schizophrenia]] — an indication of the disintegration of personality. A sufferer from depersonalization can be especially susceptible to [[suicide]], undertaking the suicidal process calmly and easily without real awareness. |
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The [[DSM-IV]] categorizes [[depersonalization disorder]] as a form of [[dissociative disorder]]. |
The [[DSM-IV]] categorizes [[depersonalization disorder]] as a form of [[dissociative disorder]]. |
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The symptoms associated with depersonalization have a known connection with psychological [[Psychological trauma|trauma]]. |
The symptoms associated with depersonalization have a known connection with psychological [[Psychological trauma|trauma]]. However, if the problem develops into a disorder (persistent and recurring) then it is important to have it treated as it may lead to suicide, depression, lack of meaning, lack of joy, and general [[apathy]]. |
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The study of [[killology]] suggests that military training artificially creates depersonalization in soldiers, suppressing empathy and making it easier for them to kill other human beings. |
The study of [[killology]] suggests that military training artificially creates depersonalization in soldiers, suppressing empathy and making it easier for them to kill other human beings. |
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Revision as of 09:51, 17 January 2005
In psychiatry, depersonalization (or derealization) is the experience of feelings of loss of a sense of reality. A sufferer feels that they have changed and the world has become less real — it is vague, dreamlike, or lacking in significance. A sufferer is divorced from both the world and from their own identity and physicality. Often times the person who has experienced this disorder claims that life "feels like a movie, things seem unreal, or hazy." Also a recognition (hence the name) of self breaks down. When a person suffers from the disorder (or the symptoms associated with the same) they find that when they look in the mirror that their face is not familiar though logically they are completely aware of who they are.
The condition is usually found in conjunction with other mental disorders, especially depression, PTSD or certain neuroses. If reported together with more serious delusions, depersonalization is a sign of schizophrenia — an indication of the disintegration of personality. A sufferer from depersonalization can be especially susceptible to suicide, undertaking the suicidal process calmly and easily without real awareness.
The DSM-IV categorizes depersonalization disorder as a form of dissociative disorder.
The symptoms associated with depersonalization have a known connection with psychological trauma. However, if the problem develops into a disorder (persistent and recurring) then it is important to have it treated as it may lead to suicide, depression, lack of meaning, lack of joy, and general apathy.
The study of killology suggests that military training artificially creates depersonalization in soldiers, suppressing empathy and making it easier for them to kill other human beings.
See also:
Existentialists use the term in a different context. The treatment of individuals by other people as if they were objects, or without regard to their feelings, has been termed depersonalization. Determinism has been accused of this.
R. D. Laing used depersonalization to mean a fear of the loss of autonomy in interpersonal relationships by the ontologically insecure.