Depersonalisation/derealisation disorder

Depersonalisation/derealisation disorder

The term Depersonalisation disorder (DPD) is described as persistent or recurrent depersonalization often accompanied by derealisation (1).

Often, although not always, these two experiences (depersonalization & derealisation) co-occur. Furthermore there is no empirical evidence to support their discrete nature. Hence a single classification has been adopted to describe these symptoms.

• in ICD-10 - depersonalisation–derealisation syndrome ;

‘in which the sufferer complains that his or her mental activity, body, and/or surroundings are changed in their quality, so as to be unreal, remote, or automatized’

• in DSM-V, DPD has been renamed as depersonalisation-derealisation disorder (DPRD) (2,3)

DPRD affects between 1% and 2.4% of the general population.

• females and males are affected equally (4)

Reference:

• (1) Michal M et al. Depersonalization disorder: disconnection of cognitive evaluation from autonomic responses to emotional stimuli. PLoS One. 2013;8(9):e74331.
• (2) Medford N et al. Understanding and treating depersonalisation disorder. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment (2005), vol. 11, 92–100
• (3) Somer E, Amos-Williams T, Stein DJ. Evidence-based treatment for Depersonalisation-derealisation Disorder (DPRD). BMC Psychol. 2013;1(1):20.
• (4) Somer E et al. Evidence-based treatment for Depersonalisation-derealisation Disorder (DPRD). BMC Psychol. 2013; 1(1): 20