Depersonalization disorder

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Depersonalization is a sense that things around you aren't real, or the feeling that you're observing yourself from outside your body. Feelings of depersonalization can be very disturbing and may feel like you're losing your grip on reality or living in a dream. Many people have a passing experience of depersonalization at some point. But when feelings of depersonalization keep occurring, or never completely go away, it's considered depersonalization disorder. Depersonalization disorder can be severe and may interfere with relationships, work and other daily activities.

Symptoms
References
  1. Depersonalization.disorder. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed June 11, 2009.
  2. Simeon D. Depersonalization disorder: A contemporary overview. CNS Drugs. 2004;18:343.
  3. Depersonalization disorder. In: Moore DP, et al. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/147320988-3/0/1243/99.html?tocnode=52436700&fromURL=99.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02911-6..50099-3_926. Accessed June 11, 2009.

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July 11, 2009

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