Depersonalization is a dreamlike feeling of being disengaged from your surroundings, where things seem “less real” than they should.

People who suffer from severe depersonalization say it feels as if they are watching themselves act from a distance without a sense of complete control. Although it is, itself, harmless, the experience can be extremely disturbing.

The condition is thought to be caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals. As with other dissociative disorders, the feelings are usually triggered by life-threating or traumatic events, such as extreme violence and war.

Depersonalization is also a common symptom in many different mental disorders such as Schizophrenia, Depression, Anxiety, multiple personality disorder, PTSD and Bipolar disorder. Its symptoms include:

• Feeling as if you are watching yourself as an observer
• Feeling you are not in control of your actions
• Feeling disconnected from your body
• Feeling like you are in a dream
• Feeling everything around you isn’t real

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is helpful, however there are no medications approved to treat depersonalization.

More detailed information at: Medical News Today

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