Depersonalization DisorderSynonyms of Depersonalization Disorder
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General DiscussionDepersonalization disorder is a psychiatric disorder affecting emotions and behavior. It is characterized by an alteration in how an affected individual perceives or experiences his or her unique sense of self. The usual sense of one’s own reality is temporarily lost or changed. A feeling of detachment from, or being an outside observer of, one’s mental processes or body occurs such as the sensation of being in a dream. Signs & SymptomsDepersonalization disorder is characterized by persistent or recurring episodes of the loss of the sense of self (depersonalization). The symptoms of depersonalization disorder are sufficient enough to cause marked distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of life. The usual sense of one’s self or reality is temporarily changed or lost. A feeling of detachment from, or being an outside observer of, one’s mental processes or body occurs. The affected individual may feel as if he/she is in a dream. Affected individuals may experience various types of lack of sensory stimulation (sensory anesthesia) and a sensation of not being in complete control of one’s actions, including speech. This condition may not occur during the course of another mental disorder or be the effects of a substance or general medical condition. Depersonalization disorder usually starts during adolescence or early adulthood. The disorder is usually chronic with periods of remission. More severe manifestations may be aggravated by mild anxiety or depression. The disorder usually disappears gradually. CausesThe exact cause of depersonalization disorder is not known. A traumatic event such as military combat, a car accident, or being a victim of a violent crime may trigger an episode of depersonalization disorder. Substance use may cause depersonalization episodes, but not the disorder. Affected PopulationsDepersonalization disorder is believed to affect women twice as much as men. The disorder most commonly affects individuals between the ages of 15 and 30. It is rarely seen in those over the age of 40. DiagnosisThe diagnosis of depersonalization disorder can be suspected after a complete physical examination and laboratory tests have ruled out any substance or geneal medical condition. A complete psychiatric evaluation should also be conducted. Standard TherapiesTreatment Treatment of depersonalization disorder involves psychotherapy. The antidepressant drug desipramine may be beneficial. The drugs dextroamphetamines and amobarbital (Amytal) combined with chlorpromazine (Thorazine) may be beneficial if anxiety is experienced. Other treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Investigational TherapiesInformation on current clinical trials is posted on the Internet at www.clinicaltrials.gov. All studies receiving U.S. government funding, and some supported by private industry, are posted on this government website. For information about clinical trials being conducted at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD, contact the NIH Patient Recruitment Office: Tollfree: (800) 411-1222 TTY: (866) 411-1010 Email: [email protected] For information about clinical trials sponsored by private sources, contact: www.centerwatch.com A study to determine the effects of fluoxetine on patients with depersonalization disorder was recently (2005) completed. This study was sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health and Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Further information is available on the www.clinicaltrials.gov web site. Supporting Organizations
ReferencesComprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry/V, 5th Ed.: Harold I. Kaplan and Benjamin J. Sadock, Editors; Williams & Wilkins, 1989. Pp. 1038-43. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM IV, 4th Ed.: A. Frances et. al., Editors; American Psychiatric Association, 1994. Pp. 488-90. Treatments of Psychiatric Disorders, 2nd Ed.: Glen O. Gabbard, M.D., Editor; American Psychiatric Association, 1995. Pp. 1634-53. Desipramine: A Possible Treatment for Depersonalization Disorder. R. Noyes, Jr. et al.; Canadian Journal Psychiatry (Dec 1987; 32(9)). Pp. 782-84. Depersonalization in a Nonclinical Population. D. Trueman; Journal Psychol (Jan 1984; 116 (1st half)). Pp. 107-12. Depersonalization and Agoraphobia Associated with Marijuana Use. C. Moran; British Journal Med Psychol (Jun 1986; 59(pt 2)). Pp. 187-96. Feelings Unreal: 30 Cases of DSM-III-R Depersonalization Disorder. D. Simeon et al.; Am J Psychiatry (Aug 1997; 154(8)). Pp. 1107-13. Depersonalization Disorder and Self-Injurious Behavior. D. Simeon et al.; J Clin Psychiatry (1995; 56(suppl 4)). Pp. 36-39. FROM THE INTERNET eMedicine – Dissociative Disorders : Article by Idan Sharon, MD www.emedicine.com/med/topic3484.htm www.mayoclinic.com/health/dissociative-disorders/DS00574 Years Published1989, 1998, 2007 The information in NORD’s Rare Disease Database is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a physician or other qualified medical professional. The content of the website and databases of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is copyrighted and may not be reproduced, copied, downloaded or disseminated, in any way, for any commercial or public purpose, without prior written authorization and approval from NORD. Individuals may print one hard copy of an individual disease for personal use, provided that content is unmodified and includes NORD’s copyright. National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) How do reference works help you in carrying out library research?A reference source provides a useful introduction to a topic and is often a good place to start your research, especially if you do not have a comprehensive familiarity with the subject matter. Reference material can be consulted to help define terms and to lay out the history and context of a subject.
Which are the major styles most commonly used by communication?There are four main styles of communication: passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive, and assertive.
Which of the following terms is used to describe a document that contains the list of all the books periodicals and other resources in a library?BIBLIOGRAPHY: A list of sources. It may be published as a book, a journal article or pamphlet. A bibliography may include CITATIONS of books, journal articles, web sites, etc. TO BIND - (A periodical): To join several issues of a magazine or journal in one volume with a hard cover.
Why is preparing a preliminary bibliography an important step in researching a speech?Developing a preliminary bibliography will help you keep track of your various sources and gather broad knowledge on your topic. It also helps you build a list of possible sources without the pressure of determining yet whether or how they will fit in your final speech draft.
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