Depersonalization / Derealization Disorder (DPDR)

Depersonalization/derealization disorder (DPDR) is classified as a dissociative disorder. It’s diagnosed when a person experiences persistent or recurrent feelings of being detached from their own body or mental processes (depersonalization) and/or feeling that the world around them is unreal or dreamlike (derealization). The person realizes these feelings aren’t real and their perceptions are distorted (differentiates it from a psychotic disorder), but their symptoms cause major distress and interfere with work, relationships, and daily functioning. Episodes can last for hours, days, or months, or be constant (chronic). The cause is not fully understood, but it is often a response to severe stress, trauma, or substance abuse.

• DPDR is a recognized dissociative disorder in DSM-5, where both depersonalization and derealization symptoms typically co-occur and are considered two facets of the same core issue.
• Before DSM-5, the two sets of symptoms were treated separately (Depersonalization Disorder and Derealization Disorder) or called Depersonalization Syndrome.