What Is Derealization Disorder?

Derealization disorder is a mental health condition that causes individuals to feel detached from their surroundings, making the world appear surreal or dreamlike. While occasional feelings of disconnection are common, persistent symptoms can disrupt daily life. Midwest Recovery Centers provides evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches, such as CBT and mindfulness, to help individuals manage derealization disorder effectively. Learn about its symptoms, causes, and treatment options to regain control and clarity.What Is Derealization Disorder?

You are walking into a room you know well—where you’ve spent plenty of time—but something feels wrong. The colors seem dull, the walls look like they’re slightly shifting, and the voices around you sound far away like you’re underwater. You know you’re there, you know the people, but it all feels distant and unreal like you’re watching everything happen from the outside. These unsettling experiences might be signs of derealization disorder, a condition that distorts your perception of reality and creates feelings of detachment. While occasional feelings of derealization are common, persistent symptoms can disrupt daily life.

For someone dealing with derealization disorder, this isn’t just a one-and-done experience. These feelings can linger, making it challenging to focus, connect with loved ones, or even feel grounded in your own life. It’s unnerving and confusing, and it often comes with a lot of anxiety about what’s real and what isn’t. While anyone might feel this way briefly during times of stress, when it happens often or doesn’t go away, we suggest getting help.

At Midwest Recovery Centers, we specialize in evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches to help individuals regain control and clarity. This article delves into what derealization disorder is, its symptoms, causes, and the types of therapy available to treat it.

“We have worked with many individuals who experience this frustrating and trying disorder. It often is accompanied by other mental health diagnoses and can become increasingly difficult to deal with. These individuals tend to benefit greatly from our program’s individualized approach, with unique treatment goals created and pursued with an individual therapist, alongside with medical interventions ranging from genetic testing for choosing the right medication, to frequent contact with Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, all the way to TMS Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Our holistic approach, including yoga, mindfulness meditation, and body movement grounding techniques, are what have proven to be the most effective methods of helping those struggling with derealization disorder. From there our technicians, RNs and therapists are able to intervene and help patients identify what they are feeling, and discover some new methods of coping. Each individual brings a unique set of struggles and situations they are working through, which is why it’s important they choose a reputable program to enter that will treat them from an individual and comprehensive approach. I believe our team at Midwest Recovery Centers does just that, and we are here to speak with you or your loved one at anytime.

-Taylor Brown, CRADC

What Is Derealization Disorder?

Derealization disorder, often categorized under depersonalization-derealization disorder (DDD), is a mental health condition that causes you to feel disconnected from your environment. People with this disorder may describe their surroundings as surreal, foggy, or dreamlike.

Many people experience brief episodes of derealization in their daily lives. These episodes happen especially during times of extreme stress or fatigue. Derealization disorder is different, though. It involves symptoms that persist and keep returning, often paired with depersonalization—when someone feels disconnected from their own body or thoughts.

Key Symptoms of Derealization Disorder:

• A sensation that the world is flat, two-dimensional, or lacks depth.
• Distorted perception of objects or people, such as appearing larger, smaller, or out of proportion.
• Feeling emotionally disconnected from loved ones, even in close interactions.
• Viewing the environment as blurry, dreamlike, or unreal.

What Causes Derealization Disorder?

Unfortunately, the exact causes of derealization disorder remain unclear, but research suggests that a combination of environmental, genetic, and psychological factors plays a role. Below are the most common contributors to this condition:

Trauma:

Traumatic experiences, such as childhood abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence, are significant risk factors. These experiences can lead to long-term emotional detachment as a coping mechanism, contributing to dissociative symptoms like derealization. For example, someone who has experienced severe abuse might subconsciously detach from their surroundings to shield themselves from the emotional pain.

Stress:

Chronic stress—whether from work pressures, financial struggles, or personal relationships—can overwhelm the brain. People who experience a life of constant stress are more prone to episodes of derealization. The body’s fight-or-flight response, designed for short bursts of stress, becomes dysregulated when stress is prolonged, triggering feelings of detachment as a way to cope.

Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders:

Conditions like anxiety, depression, and panic disorders often occur with derealization disorder. These mental health issues can amplify feelings of detachment, making it difficult for those experiencing it to stay grounded. For example, a person with severe anxiety may experience derealization during a panic attack, heightening their fear and confusion.

Substance Use:

The misuse of certain substances, such as cannabis, hallucinogens, or stimulants, can lead to derealization symptoms, particularly in individuals who are already vulnerable. For instance, hallucinogens can distort reality and induce feelings of detachment, which may persist even after the drug’s effects wear off.

If substance use is a contributing factor, it’s important to address it through specialized care. Treatment options are available at Midwest Recovery Center’s synthetic drug addiction treatment program, which provides comprehensive support for recovery.

How Therapy Helps Treat Derealization Disorder

Therapy plays a vital role in addressing derealization disorder, offering tools to alleviate symptoms and improve overall quality of life. At Midwest Recovery Centers, we integrate evidence-based therapies with holistic approaches to create personalized treatment plans.

Types of Therapy for Derealization Disorder:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

CBT helps individuals identify distorted thought patterns and develop healthier ways to process emotions. For example, patients can learn grounding techniques to combat the sensation of detachment.

• Trauma-Focused Therapy:

Unresolved trauma is a common cause of derealization disorder. Trauma-focused therapy aims to address and heal these underlying issues through targeted interventions.

• Mindfulness-Based Therapy:

This approach teaches patients how to anchor themselves in the present moment, reducing feelings of dissociation. Techniques such as deep breathing and sensory awareness can be beneficial.

Evidence-Based vs. Holistic Therapies

The treatment of derealization disorder often requires a combination of evidence-based therapies and holistic methods. Both approaches offer distinct benefits, enabling addressing the condition from multiple angles.

Evidence-Based Therapies:

These therapies are backed by clinical research and are effective in addressing the core symptoms of derealization disorder. Examples include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on changing unhelpful thought patterns.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Helps process trauma-related memories that may contribute to derealization.

Holistic Therapies:

Holistic methods emphasize the connection between the mind and body, emphasizing overall well-being. These therapies can complement evidence-based techniques by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Examples include:

• Yoga: Encourages physical grounding and mindfulness.
• Meditation: Helps quiet intrusive thoughts and increases self-awareness.
• Art Therapy: Provides a creative outlet for expressing complex emotions.

Finding the right balance between these therapies ensures a well-rounded approach to treatment. Learn how mindfulness and other holistic practices can aid recovery in our article on the role of mindfulness in substance abuse recovery.

Contact Our Team Today

Living with derealization disorder can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that effective treatment options are available. By combining evidence-based therapies with holistic approaches, individuals can regain their sense of reality and reconnect with their surroundings.

At Midwest Recovery Centers, we understand the complexities of this condition and are committed to providing compassionate care tailored to your needs. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent symptoms of derealization, reach out to us today for support.

“Our expert Admissions team is trained in how to assess you or your loved one whether in person or over the phone, and get a full history that will lead to accurate and effective treatment. We understand how difficult it is to reach out for help. Our team are all in recovery themselves and will make sure to welcome you and your loved one with a welcoming spirit of love and non-judgmental relatability. There is hope, let us be the light that shows you the way.”

-Taylor Brown, CRADC

Sharing this article can help others learn about derealization disorder and the importance of seeking help. To learn more about our programs or speak with a professional, give us a call today.

FAQs

What are the main symptoms of derealization disorder?

Common symptoms include feeling detached from your environment, perceiving the world as dreamlike or flat, and emotional disconnection from loved ones.

What causes derealization disorder?

The disorder can result from trauma, chronic stress, mental health conditions like anxiety, or substance use.

How can therapy help with derealization disorder?

Therapy provides tools to manage symptoms, resolve underlying trauma, and reconnect with reality through techniques like CBT and mindfulness-based therapy.

What is the difference between evidence-based and holistic therapies?

Evidence-based therapies rely on clinical research and structured techniques, while holistic therapies focus on overall well-being through practices like yoga and meditation.

Can derealization disorder go away on its own?

Mild cases may improve with stress reduction, but persistent symptoms often require professional therapy to address underlying causes and develop coping mechanisms.