Derealization is a term that refers to the loss of a sense of reality in one's environment or the distortion of the perception of reality. In this case, the individual perceives their own body, environment or events as if they were in a dream, they lose the sense of reality of the moment they are experiencing, and they feel as if they are experiencing events as an outside observer. Derealization can often occur due to stress, anxiety, traumatic events or some psychiatric disorders.
Derealization can be a serious condition that can affect a person's daily life. Treatment usually focuses on the underlying causes and the individual is offered methods that can help, such as psychotherapy or medication. Consultation with a qualified health professional is important for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
What Causes Derealization?
Derealization is a condition that can occur for several different reasons. These reasons can include psychological, neurological and environmental factors. Here are some factors that can cause derealization to occur:
Anxiety and Stress: It is often associated with severe stress or anxiety. These conditions can affect mental health and cause distortions in the perception of reality.
Traumatic Events: Traumatic events, especially those involving emotional or physical violence, can lead to this condition.
Depression: Deep depression can also cause derealization symptoms. A person under the influence of depression may become desensitized to their surroundings.
Insomnia and Fatigue: Prolonged sleep deprivation and fatigue can affect mental health and impair the perception of reality.
Substance Abuse: Drug or alcohol abuse is another factor that can cause derealization.
Neurological Factors: Some neurological conditions or disorders can also trigger derealization. For example, neurological problems such as migraine or epilepsy.
Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder: Severe panic attacks or panic disorder can lead to feelings of derealization.
Personality Disorders: Some personality disorders can lead to distortions in the perception of reality.
Dissociative Disorders: Derealization can occur as part of dissociative disorders. In these disorders, the individual may experience inconsistency about their identity or reality.
What are the Symptoms of Derealization?
Derealization symptoms usually manifest as a distortion in the individual's perception of reality or a feeling of detachment. These symptoms may differ from person to person, but they can usually manifest in the following ways:
- The person perceives their environment or themselves as unreal, alien or dreamlike. Connections between events and objects are weakened.
- The individual may feel emotionally numb or insensitive. They may have difficulty reacting emotionally in situations where they would normally react emotionally.
- The individual may experience their own body or body in a way that they do not recognize or feel belonging to it.
- The person may perceive the flow of time differently than usual. It is common to feel as if time is slowing down or speeding up.
- The person may find it difficult to think clearly mentally. They may have difficulty with mental tasks such as paying attention, focusing and making decisions.
- The person may experience impaired visual perception. The size, color or shape of objects may change.
- The person may feel alienated from their own life or environment. They may experience a sense of distance in their relationships with family members, friends or other people.
- In the case of derealization, the person may have difficulty distinguishing between reality and dreams. They may tend to confuse real events with dreams.
Who Suffers from Derealization?
Derealization is a condition associated with a variety of factors and can affect individuals of any age, gender or social class. Factors such as anxiety disorders, depression, traumatic experiences, substance abuse, neurological problems and dissociative disorders can increase the likelihood of derealization occurring. Stressful life situations and personality disorders can also be associated with this condition.
How is derealization treated?
Derealization treatment can involve a variety of methods, often depending on the individual's condition and the underlying causes. Here are the main methods used to treat derealization:
Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), emotionally focused therapies, or desensitization and reprocessing mobility (EMDR) can help the individual cope with their emotional and mental challenges by focusing on the underlying issues underlying derealization, such as anxiety, stress or trauma.
Medication: Medications such as antidepressants and anxiolytics can help manage underlying conditions such as anxiety or depression. However, medication may not be suitable for everyone and should be assessed by a health professional.
Stress Management: Stress is a factor that can trigger this condition. Stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises can help the individual to relax and reduce tension.
Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep can positively affect overall mental health. These changes can alleviate the symptoms of derealization.
How Long Does Derealization Last?
The duration of derealization can vary significantly from individual to individual and depends on various factors. From one person to another, it can last anywhere from a few minutes to several years.