Alcohol-induced depersonalization

A case of alcohol-induced depersonalization disorder is presented. The subject had experienced several depersonalization states following the consumption of alcohol rather than from a psychogenic etiology, and the episodes were transient, not chronic.

Three quantitative EEG (QEEG) studies were performed on the subject, one during the index depersonalization episode and two subsequent studies when the subject was clinically asymptomatic.

Slow wave activity (relative theta power) was significantly increased when symptomatic. This slowing was still present over the occiput 3 days after the symptoms had remitted but was absent 17 days after symptoms had ameliorated.

The time course of EEG slowing suggests a metabolic encephalopathy, a condition which likely contributes to the manifestations of depersonalization syndrome.