Is related to losing ones sense of reality and feeling estranged from oneself?
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Dissociation is a disconnection between a person's sensory experience, thoughts, sense of self, or personal history. If you have trouble remembering a certain period of time in your life, for example, you may be experiencing a type of dissociation called dissociative amnesia. Show
APA Definition of DissociationThe American Psychological Association (APA) defines dissociation as "a defense mechanism in which conflicting impulses are kept apart or threatening ideas and feelings are separated from the rest of the psyche." This disconnection can occur as part of a dissociation disorder, or it may be a symptom of another mental health issue. For instance, people with borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia sometimes experience dissociation. What Dissociation Feels LikeSomeone with dissociation might feel a sense of unreality and lose their connection to time, place, and identity. This is because dissociation disrupts four areas of personal functioning that usually operate together smoothly, automatically, and with few or no problems. These areas are:
Breaks in this system of automatic functions can cause dissociation symptoms. Dissociation can range from feeling a mild sense of detachment (daydreaming) to experiencing a more severe disconnection from reality (feeling as if the world is unreal). Types of DissociationThe Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), a handbook published by the APA to help mental health professionals diagnose mental illnesses, identifies three types of dissociative disorders:
Related ConditionsIn addition to these dissociative disorders, dissociation may also occur as a symptom of another condition. Conditions in which someone may experience dissociation include:
Symptoms of DissociationIf you have a dissociation disorder or a mental health condition involving dissociation, you may sometimes have felt "disconnected" from yourself. Examples of dissociation include:
It is possible to experience dissociation without being aware of it. Sudden mood changes, difficulty remembering personal details about yourself or your life, and feeling disconnected are all symptoms of dissociation. Related SymptomsSome people with dissociation may experience additional symptoms of depersonalization (feeling as if the self is not real) and derealization (feeling as if the world is not real). Both of these are serious mental health issues. Depersonalization and derealization are often responses to overwhelming traumatic events that cannot be escaped, such as child abuse and the trauma of war. They help the person to keep functioning at the moment of being severely traumatized. An example of depersonalization is an out-of-body experience, where people see themselves from above. This lets them feel that whatever is occurring “is not happening to me.” In states of derealization, people are detached from their surroundings. This lets them feel that their situation isn't real, or that it is “just a dream.” Causes of DissociationSeveral factors can play a role in the development of dissociation. Among the potential causes are trauma, drug use, and other mental conditions. TraumaThe main cause of dissociative disorders is trauma. In cases such as this, dissociation occurs as a way to keep memories of the traumatic event from feeling overwhelming or too massive to handle. Dissociation also helps the person distance themselves from the situation. Assault, abuse, accidents, natural disasters, and military combat are all sources of trauma that can cause dissociation. Drug UseSubstance use can also cause dissociation. Experiences with dissociation and trauma can even predict the potential for addiction according to a study published in the International Journal of High Risk Behaviors and Addiction. Another study in the Journal of Trauma & Dissociation showed "relatively high levels" of dissociation among women with both substance use disorder and PTSD, but also suggested that more research into how substances affect dissociation would be helpful. Three Types of Dissociative Drugs and Their Effects Other Mental ConditionsCertain mental health disorders can also cause symptoms of dissociation. PTSD, for example, is often characterized by symptoms of dissociation and detachment. A 2021 study also found a direct connection between dissociation and hallucinations, grandiosity, paranoia, anxiety, and depression. Diagnosis of DissociationTo be diagnosed with dissociation, your healthcare provider will assess your symptoms, take your medical history, perform a physical exam, and possibly order lab tests to rule out any underlying medical conditions. They may also refer you to a mental health professional for diagnosis. A number of assessments can be used to help evaluate and diagnose dissociation. If you are experiencing dissociative symptoms, you may be given:
The CAPS assessment tests for depersonalization by asking questions such as "Have there been times when you felt as if you were outside of your body, watching yourself as if you were another person?" It tests for derealization by asking, for example, "Have there been times when things going on around you seemed unreal or very strange and unfamiliar?" Treatment for DissociationIf you or someone you love has a dissociative disorder, it's important to know that treatment can be a lengthy and sometimes difficult process. However, several treatment options have been found effective and can include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. PsychotherapyYour health provider may recommend psychotherapy to help treat dissociation. Types of psychotherapy used for dissociation treatment include:
MedicationsThere are no medications specifically approved for the treatment of dissociation. However, there are some medicines that can be prescribed to help manage its symptoms. For example, you may be prescribed antidepressants, sleep aids, or anti-anxiety drugs to help manage dissociation symptoms related to mood, anxiety, and sleep. If the dissociation is due to a psychiatric condition such as schizophrenia, your health provider may prescribe an antipsychotic. Complications of DissociationIf left untreated, symptoms of dissociation can be lifelong. This makes seeking treatment when signs first appear important to recovery. Research has also connected dissociation with worsened psychiatric symptoms in the future. Another complication of dissociation is that it increases a person's vulnerability to abuse since the disconnection leaves them unprotected. Sadly, this abuse sometimes occurs in the form of a therapist sexually abusing a patient with dissociation. This is a form of revictimization known as "sitting duck syndrome." Taking the time to find the right therapist can help avoid this type of situation. It is also helpful to know the signs of a bad therapist and make a switch should any of these become apparent during treatment sessions. Dissociation After Trauma May Indicate Increased Mental Distress in the Future Coping With DissociationSince stress and anxiety sometimes trigger dissociation, finding ways to deal with these issues can help you better cope with their symptoms. Actions to consider taking include:
If you or a loved one are struggling with dissociation, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. A Word From VerywellIf you've experienced depersonalization or derealization, be aware that such a response to actual traumatic events can be triggered again—even long afterward—by events that may or may not be threatening. Should this happen, you could automatically enter a dissociative state at the first hint of potential trauma. If the situation isn’t actually threatening, you may appear “spaced out” to others. On the other hand, if there is a real threat, dissociating from it when escape might not otherwise be possible could expose you to the risk of harm. Talk to your health provider if you think you might be experiencing symptoms of dissociation or a related condition. What is it called when you lose your sense of self?Dissociation is a mental process of disconnecting from one's thoughts, feelings, memories or sense of identity. The dissociative disorders that need professional treatment include dissociative amnesia, dissociative fugue, depersonalisation disorder and dissociative identity disorder.
What is it called when you feel disconnected from reality?Overview. Depersonalization-derealization disorder occurs when you persistently or repeatedly have the feeling that you're observing yourself from outside your body or you have a sense that things around you aren't real, or both.
What is derealization mean?Derealization is a mental state where you feel detached from your surroundings. People and objects around you may seem unreal. Even so, you're aware that this altered state isn't normal. More than half of all people may have this disconnection from reality once in their lifetime.
What disorder causes lack of emotions?Schizoid personality disorder is one of many personality disorders. It can cause individuals to seem distant and emotionless, rarely engaging in social situations or pursuing relationships with other people.
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