Derealization is a condition in which an adequate perception of the surrounding reality is disturbed. The sensation of distortion can last as long as a few moments or hours, or several days, weeks.
Doctors do not distinguish derealization as a separate mental illness. More often, a pathological sensation acts as an additional symptom. In the vast majority of cases, a disturbed perception of reality is combined with a condition called depersonalization. In view of this, the syndrome of derealization-depersonalization stands out among the diseases.
On its own, derealization is usually the result of a psychotic / neurotic disorder. In this state, the person remains completely sane, he, as a rule, is not pursued by delusional ideas or hallucinations, he does not lose control over himself, is able to be critical of his condition.
It should be noted that sometimes the state of unreality arises not due to a mental disorder, but as a result of the current state. For example, during forced or intentional sleep deprivation or in moments of severe stress, a person may experience similar feelings, perceiving the world as distant and “fake”.
Symptoms accompanying the feeling of derealization:
- inadequate perception of the surrounding reality: objects, objects, other people seem distant, all events occur as if in a dream;
- the world around can be seen as blurry, "dusty";
- sometimes, against the background of derealization, there is a feeling that the course of time is changing, cars are driving too fast or, on the contrary, are barely crawling along the road;
- in some cases, the condition is accompanied by deja vu or jame vu;
- the perception of sounds also changes: they seem distant, deaf, indistinct, illegible;
- a symptom of derealization can also be a change in tactile, taste sensations;
- the perception of colors and shades is distorted; the colors of the world around them fade or become too bright.
Among the reasons that provoke the development of derealization, in addition to possible mental pathology, stress or sleep problems, are:
- some kind of traumatic event that left a serious imprint on a person's condition; it can be both the death of a loved one, and physical, emotional abuse;
- deprivation of various needs of the body, not necessarily only sleep; in this case, the feeling of derealization is considered as a kind of protective mechanism of the psyche;
- doctors note that the state of incorrect perception of the world often develops in those people who gravitate towards the ideal, who have a tendency to painful (inadequate) perfectionism;
- fatigue (moral and physical), exhaustion, a strong need for relaxation and rest also in some cases act as the basis for the development of a feeling of derealization.
It is important to note that derealization can occur against the background of depression, severe anxiety, and pathological anxiety.
If the disturbed perception of the world haunts a person constantly or too often, it is necessary not only to correct his usual life, but also to seek help from a psychiatrist, a psychotherapist.
Often, the prognosis in the treatment of this disorder is favorable, and recovery occurs gradually. The therapy uses both prescription medications, including those that reduce anxiety and improve sleep, and psychotherapy.
