Term: Depersonalization

Depersonalization is a form of dissociation. The experience has been described as being detached from one’s body or as if the person is in a dream or as if they are not real. However, there is not an actual loss of touch with reality as the person recognizes that this experience is not ‘normal.’ It is a quite common experience, approximately half of all people will experience at least one episode of depersonalization in their lifetime.

Depersonalization is often associated with anxiety and sometimes is secondary to use of certain drugs or medications. It is also associated with a history of developmental trauma. Although most experiences of depersonalization are brief and transitory, it can be quite distressing. Treatment will depend on the cause of the depersonalization and often therapy is recommended along with the teaching of grounding skills.