Individuals with depersonalization experience feelings of being detached from themselves, their thoughts, perceive that things are not real or feel as though they are in a dream-like state. According to the Cleveland Clinic, those experiencing these events are not out of touch with reality; they realize that something is not right. When these symptoms occur consistently it is termed depersonalization disorder and can cause trouble with close relationships and everyday life. Although depression is not a symptom of depersonalization disorder, several studies have shown that the two are often comorbid, or co-existing.
1997 Mount Sinai Study
According to a 1997 study conducted by the Department of Psychiatry at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, "Feeling Unreal: 30 Cases of DSM-III-R Depersonalization Disorder," links between this disorder and other psychological conditions are not definitive. However, this study involved 30 individuals with depersonalization disorder and found that a relationship between depersonalization and depression is possible, citing that 53 percent of the participants had experienced depression. The researchers also say that depression along with other psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety and stress, exacerbate depersonalization.
2001 Mount Sinai Study
A 2001 study by D. Simeon, M.D. et al of the Department of Psychiatry at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, "The Role of Childhood Interpersonal Trauma in Depersonalization Disorder," compared two groups. Individuals in one group were diagnosed with depersonalization disorder while the other group comprised healthy individuals of the same age and gender. While the study confirmed childhood trauma did play a role in the development of depersonalization symptoms, it also revealed that individuals in the group with depersonalization disorder were also diagnosed with other psychiatric illnesses categorized by depression. Among the list of depressive disorders were bipolar disorder, major depression and dysthymia.
2003 St. Nicholas Hospital Study
Researchers from St. Nicholas Hospital in London conducted a study in 2003 that concluded that depersonalization has a "significant comorbidity with anxiety and depression." A group of 204 individuals with depersonalization were surveyed and patients tended to be male and around the age of 22, and all symptoms correlated with anxiety and depression. The researchers added that this survey warrants further investigation into the cause and treatment of depersonalization.
Diagnosis
MayoClinic.com lists the major risk factors for depersonalization disorder as traumatic events or abuse, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, multiple personality disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. Teens and young adults also have an increased risk. MayoClinic.com adds that since depression is commonly associated with depersonalization, patients should be prepared for tests and or questioning that would reveal the presence of other psychological conditions. Diagnosis can include blood tests or other diagnostic tools such as an MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging.
Treatment
Although depression is not categorized as a specific symptom of depersonalization, treatment is often the same, including the type of medication used such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like Prozac. Success varies and it is unknown what treatments will work with whom. Other treatments that would address both depersonalization and depression include family therapy, art or music therapy, individual counseling and even clinical hypnosis. Prevention may not be possible; however, immediate intervention following a traumatic event will help reduce the severity of the disorder as well as the development of other psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Depersonalization disorder
- The American Journal of Psychiatry: Feeling unreal: 30 cases of DSM-III-R depersonalization disorder
- Cleveland Clinic: Depersonalization Disorder
- The American Journal of Psychiatry; "The Role of Childhood Interpersonal Trauma in Depersonalization Disorder"; Daphne Simeon, M.D., Orna Guralnik, Psy.D., James Schmeidler, Ph.D., Beth Sirof, M.A., Margaret Knutelska, M.A.; 2001
- "Depersonalization disorder: clinical features of 204 cases"; Baker D, Hunter E, Lawrence E, Medford N, Patel M, Senior C, Sierra M, Lambert MV, Phillips ML, David AS; 2003
