Derealization (DR) is an alteration in the perception or experience of the external world so that it seems strange or unreal.^[1] It is a dissociative symptom of many conditions, such as psychiatric and neurological disorders, and not a standalone disorder. It is also a transient side effect of acute drug intoxication, sleep deprivation and stress. Dissociation is a state of acute mental decompensation in which certain thoughts, emotions, sensations, and/or memories are compartmentalized because they are too overwhelming for the conscious mind to integrate. ...

Depersonalization is a subjective experience of unreality in one's sense of self, while derealization is unreality of the outside world. Depersonalization and derealization are often used interchangeably, although evidence suggests they have distinct neurobiological mechanisms. Chronic derealization may be caused by occipital-temporal dysfunction.^[2] Depersonalization is an alteration in the perception or experience of the self so that one feels detached from, and as if one is an outside observer of, ones mental processes or body. ... Neurobiology is the study of cells of the nervous system and the organization of these cells into functional circuits that process information and mediate behavior. ... The occipital lobe is the visual processing center of the mammalian brain. ... The temporal lobes are part of the cerebrum. ...

These symptoms are common in the population, with a lifetime prevalence of up to 74% and between 31-66% at the time of a traumatic event.^[3] Psychological trauma is a type of damage to the psyche that occurs as a result of a traumatic event. ...

Description

The detachment of derealization can be described as an immaterial substance that separates a person from the outside world, such as a sensory fog, a pane of glass, or a veil. Individuals may complain what they see lacks vividness and emotional colouring. Emotional response to visual recognition of loved ones may be significantly reduced. Feelings of déjà vu or jamais vu are common. Familiar places may look alien, bizarre, and surreal. Such perceptual abnormalitites may also extend to the senses of hearing, taste, and smell. For other uses, see Déjà vu (disambiguation). ... In psychology, the term jamais vu (from the French, meaning never seen) is used to describe any familiar situation which is not recognized by the observer. ...

Another symptom of this condition can be the constant worrying or strange thoughts that people find hard to switch off. Derealization builds up slowly with the underlying anxiety, but shows itself suddenly, often after a panic attack, and is then difficult or impossible to ignore until the sufferer receives treatment. This type of anxiety can be crippling to the sufferer and may lead to avoidance behaviour. Sufferers of Derealization often see this strange phenomenon as being something catastrophic, and may become obsessed with an explanation they have come up with in their mind. It is often difficult to accept that such a disturbing symptom is simply a result of anxiety, and the sufferer is often thinking it must be something more, or something worse.

Causes

Derealization can accompany the neurological conditions of epilepsy, migraine, and mild head trauma.^[4] There is a similarity between visual hypoemotionality, a reduced emotional response to viewed objects, and derealization. This suggests a disruption of the process by means of which perception becomes emotionally coloured. This qualitative change in the experiencing of perception may lead to the reports of anything viewed being unreal or detached.^[2] Head injury is a trauma to the head, that may or may not include injury to the brain (see also brain injury). ... In psychology and the cognitive sciences, perception is the process of acquiring, interpreting, selecting, and organizing sensory information. ...

Cannabis, hallucinogens, antidepressants and nicotine can all produce feelings resembling derealization, particularly when taken to excess. It can also result from alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal. Look up Cannabis in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Hallucinogenic drug - drugs that can alter sensory perceptions. ... An antidepressant is a medication used primarily in the treatment of clinical depression. ... Nicotine is an alkaloid found in the nightshade family of plants (Solanaceae), predominantly in tobacco, and in lower quantities in tomato, potato, eggplant (aubergine), and green pepper. ... Alprazolam 2mg tablets The benzodiazepines (pronounced , or benzos for short) are a class of psychoactive drugs considered as minor tranquilizers with varying hypnotic, sedative, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant and amnesic properties, which are brought on by slowing down the central nervous system. ...

Derealization can also be a symptom of mental disorders such as depersonalization disorder, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders.^[5] A mental disorder or mental illness is a clinically significant psychological pattern that occurs in an individual and is usually associated with distress or disability that is not expected as part of normal development or culture. ... Depersonalization Disorder (DD) is a dissociative disorder in which sufferers are affected by persistent feelings of depersonalization. ... Borderline Personality Disorder (DSM-IV Personality Disorders 301. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ...

References