[Depersonalisation/derealization - clinical picture, diagnostics and therapy].

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Neuroscience
• Psychology

Context:

• Depersonalization (DP) and derealization (DR) are dissociative experiences.
• Mild, transient DP-DR phenomena are common in the general population.
• Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder (DP-DR-D) affects an estimated 1-2% of Western populations.

Purpose:

• To review the current knowledge on depersonalization and derealization.
• To examine classification, epidemiology, etiology, and therapy of DP-DR-D.
• To highlight the association of DP-DR-D with other mental health conditions.

Summary:

• DP-DR-D is likely underdiagnosed and strongly associated with depression and anxiety disorders.
• Symptoms of DP-DR may indicate increased disease severity and predict poorer treatment outcomes.
• Neurobiological and psychological models identify disordered body schema and emotional blunting as core components.

Impact:

• This review underscores a significant gap in empirical research concerning DP-DR-D.
• Further investigation is crucial for understanding the healthcare situation of affected patients.
• Identifying effective treatment options for DP-DR-D is a critical unmet need.