Derealization

Classification according to ICD-10
F48.1	Depersonalization and derealization syndrome
ICD-10 online (WHO version 2019)

Derealization (or, more precisely, derealization experience ) describes a temporary or permanent abnormal or alienated perception of the environment (e.g. of the environment, people and objects). The environment as a whole often suddenly seems unfamiliar, even if every detail can be easily recognized and classified. Derealization is closely related to the depersonalization experience , in which the person is perceived as alien.

When these perceptual experiences reach the extent of a mental disorder with disease value, one speaks of a depersonalization-derealization syndrome . Both types are summarized under the group of ego disturbances , since ultimately the integrity, the experience of unity and the clear boundary between ego and environment are disturbed. Lighter types of derealization are not uncommon and can occur in the mentally healthy, for example, in situations with great emotional involvement or in pronounced tiredness and exhaustion . Experiencing such conditions can also be caused by taking psychotropic substances (such as LSD , alcohol , cannabis or certain medications ).

The experience of derealization can also appear as a symptom of an anxiety disorder or severe depression . In the context of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder , derealization can be experienced during a panic attack up to shortly afterwards. If the derealization occurs as a trigger for a new panic attack, this can develop into a central symptom of the panic disorder.

Depersonalization Derealization Syndrome

→ Main article : Depersonalization # diagnostic criteria

With depersonalization and derealization syndrome ( ICD-10 code ICD-10 F48.1 ), there is a feeling of unreality in relation to the environment: objects, people or the entire environment become strange, unfamiliar, unreal, robot-like, distant, artificial, too small or experienced too big, colorless or lifeless. Many of those affected state that they experience their environment as “under a cheese dome” or “wrapped in cotton wool”.

Derealization usually goes hand in hand with depersonalization and is a hallmark of the so-called delusional mood . It can occur as a symptom of depression or schizophrenia . In order to be able to speak of a derealization / depersonalization, according to the ICD-10 classification, at least one of the first two criteria and the last two criteria must be met.

• One's own feelings are rated as distant, strange and not part of one's own identity (depersonalization symptoms).
• The environment is assumed to be strange, lifeless, unreal, etc. (derealization symptoms).
• The person affected accepts that this is not a problem caused by external direct causes, but that a subjective spontaneous change has taken place ( insight into the disease ).
• The person concerned is aware that this is not a toxic state of confusion or epileptic condition.

See also

• Dissociation (psychology)
• alienation
• Self

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Pschyrembel clinical dictionary , Verlag deGruyter, 267th edition 2017 ( ISBN 978-3-11-049497-6 ). (Keyword derealization )
2. ↑ Derealization in DORSCH Lexicon of Psychology

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !