What Is Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder?
Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder (DPDR) is a dissociative condition marked by persistent or recurrent experiences of feeling detached from one’s body, thoughts, or surroundings. These episodes may feel like watching oneself from outside the body (depersonalization) or perceiving the world as dreamlike, foggy, or unreal (derealization).
While many people occasionally experience such sensations, especially during periods of intense stress or exhaustion, DPDR becomes a disorder when these feelings are prolonged, distressing, and interfere with daily life.
Key Features
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A sense of being disconnected from your body or mental processes
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Feeling like an outside observer of your own actions
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Emotional or physical numbness
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Feeling robotic or as if your speech and movements are not under your control
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The external world feels unreal, distant, or distorted
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A sense that people or objects around you are unfamiliar or artificial
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Visual or auditory distortions (e.g., muffled sounds, tunnel vision)
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Time seems to slow down or speed up
Importantly, reality testing remains intact—the person knows their experience is not truly supernatural or psychotic, which differentiates DPDR from psychotic disorders.
Common Symptoms
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Chronic sense of disconnection from self or surroundings
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Difficulty forming emotional connections with others
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“Watching yourself like a movie”
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Feeling like you’re in a dream or fog
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Panic or anxiety about the symptoms themselves
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Difficulty concentrating or feeling “mentally blocked”
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Persistent internal questioning: “Am I real?”
These experiences are deeply unsettling, often leading individuals to fear they’re “going crazy,” even though they are not losing touch with reality.
Causes and Risk Factors
DPDR is often a coping mechanism—a psychological defense against overwhelming stress or trauma.
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Childhood emotional abuse or neglect
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Severe stress or anxiety
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Trauma (e.g., accidents, violence, natural disasters)
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Panic attacks or extreme emotional distress
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Sleep deprivation
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Substance use (e.g., cannabis, hallucinogens, or dissociatives)
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Neurological sensitivity to stress
DPDR may also be triggered during major life transitions, identity crises, or after existential thoughts.
Who Is Affected?
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Most people experience brief episodes of depersonalization or derealization at some point in life.
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DPDR disorder affects approximately 1–2% of the population and can begin during adolescence or early adulthood.
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It occurs equally across genders and cultures.
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Blood tests to rule out other conditions
It often coexists with other mental health conditions, which may mask or complicate diagnosis.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
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Clinical interviews and psychiatric evaluation
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Ruling out neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, migraines)
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Medical workup to exclude metabolic or toxic causes
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Psychological screening tools (e.g., Dissociative Experiences Scale)
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Persistent or recurrent
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Cause significant distress or impairment
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Cause significant distress or impairment
DPDR may also be triggered during major life transitions, identity crises, or after existential thoughts.
Impact on Daily Life
Dementia profoundly affects:
Steps Include:
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Social: Feeling disconnected from friends, family, or social environments
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Work/School: Reduced concentration, motivation, and engagement
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Emotional: Loss of joy or emotional numbness
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Physical Health: Distorted body sensations may lead to medical anxieties
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Existential Distress: Constant self-questioning or fear of insanity
People with DPDR often suffer in silence, afraid that others won’t understand or believe their experiences.
Co-occurring Conditions
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Panic Disorder
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder
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Depression
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PTSD
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Substance-induced dissociative states
Addressing these root conditions is often key to resolving DPDR symptoms.
When to Seek Help
Reach out for support if:
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You experience frequent or prolonged detachment from self or surroundings
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The sensations interfere with daily functioning
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You feel isolated, fearful, or emotionally numb
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You suspect past trauma may be affecting your present reality
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You are avoiding social, academic, or work commitments due to symptoms
The earlier therapy begins, the better the outcomes for restoring connection and clarity.
How Calida Rehab Supports Individuals With DPDR
Calida Rehab takes a trauma-informed, compassionate approach to treating depersonalization and derealization. Our multidisciplinary care includes:
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Psychotherapy (particularly CBT, grounding techniques, and trauma therapy)
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Mindfulness-based interventions to reconnect body and mind
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Stress management and emotional regulation training
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Exploration of trauma narratives when appropriate
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A supportive residential setting to provide stability and consistency
With centers in Pune, Mumbai, and Karjat, we provide safe spaces to rediscover reality—and yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
No. People with DPDR are aware their experiences are unusual, which differentiates the condition from psychosis.
Yes. With therapy, stress reduction, and time, most people recover or significantly reduce symptoms.
While there’s no specific medication for DPDR, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may help underlying issues.
DPDR is not life-threatening, but it can be emotionally distressing. With support, it is very manageable.
Yes. Physical grounding, breathing techniques, and mindfulness help re-anchor the mind to the present moment.
Final Word
Depersonalization and derealization may feel like being cut off from yourself or the world—but they are your mind’s response to stress, not a sign of losing your sanity. Healing begins by reclaiming presence, and with the right support, reality can become vivid again—one moment at a time.