Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 610973

Shown: posts 1 to 25 of 27. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

What causes depersonalization?

Posted by Maxime on February 18, 2006, at 17:49:53

Hi

Since I have been in this deep depression, I have been experiencing depersonalization. It's been going on for months. I can't take it much longer. It's actually scaring me.

What causes it? And is it the same thing as disassociating?

Maxime

 

Re: What causes depersonalization?

Posted by linkadge on February 18, 2006, at 17:59:29

In reply to What causes depersonalization?, posted by Maxime on February 18, 2006, at 17:49:53

I have a theory that depersonalization is a result of loss of sleep stage integrety.

Linkadge

 

Re: What causes depersonalization?

Posted by rjlockhart on February 18, 2006, at 18:43:24

In reply to What causes depersonalization?, posted by Maxime on February 18, 2006, at 17:49:53

Depersonization is feeling attachent from body and is part of anxiety. It is very scary. I have experienced some form of it to an extent in the past, if you recall when i though i was losing my mind.

Depression can be apart of it. Talking about this even makes me afraid.

It can make you feel you are going crazy.

It usally feels a tingling feeling, then start feeling wierd. I usally reacted with panic attacks not know what the heck was happening.

Please take care and talk to a doctor about this, a therpist also.

But it road off me after time.

Matt

 

Re: What causes depersonalization?

Posted by med_empowered on February 18, 2006, at 18:50:32

In reply to Re: What causes depersonalization?, posted by rjlockhart on February 18, 2006, at 18:43:24

I've been having similar feelings lately. Weird. I've had this off and off since I was a kid; suddenly, I'd slip into "dream mode" and everything seemed kind of trance like. I get it with panic attacks, but also sometimes just..because. Don't be afraid.

 

Re: What causes depersonalization? » linkadge

Posted by zeugma on February 18, 2006, at 18:58:18

In reply to Re: What causes depersonalization?, posted by linkadge on February 18, 2006, at 17:59:29

> I have a theory that depersonalization is a result of loss of sleep stage integrety.
>
> Linkadge

that is very interesting.

my sleep stage integrity is nonexistent, and without stimulants i am in a trance state.

-z

-z

 

Re: What causes depersonalization? » zeugma

Posted by john berk on February 18, 2006, at 20:13:36

In reply to Re: What causes depersonalization? » linkadge, posted by zeugma on February 18, 2006, at 18:58:18


I had it when my ocd was at it's worst, so in essence mine was definetly anxiety related, my therapist agreed. i find link's theory very interesting though, i have had sleep issues since childhood, although i would imagine most ocd/anxiety prone people do...john

 

Re: What causes depersonalization?

Posted by Phillipa on February 18, 2006, at 23:59:46

In reply to Re: What causes depersonalization? » zeugma, posted by john berk on February 18, 2006, at 20:13:36

Maxie I would be scared too. Does your doc know? Fondly, Phillipa

 

Re: What causes depersonalization?

Posted by tizza on February 19, 2006, at 2:06:07

In reply to Re: What causes depersonalization?, posted by Phillipa on February 18, 2006, at 23:59:46

I don't know what causes it but I have found that depersonalization gets worse for me on SSRI's and SNRI's with a greasy side dish of apathy dressed with anxiety thrown in for no extra cost. I won't be dining on that dish ever again. It left a really, really bad taste in my mouth.

 

Re: What causes depersonalization?

Posted by Greif on February 19, 2006, at 18:13:47

In reply to Re: What causes depersonalization?, posted by tizza on February 19, 2006, at 2:06:07

Depersonalization/derealization is in classified in the Dissociative dissorder spectrum which includes 5 or so sub catagories (I have psch degree). Dissociative Disorder at its peak may result in multiple personality(s) (sybil). The primary cause of all in the spectrum is trauma (sexual,emotianal) at an early age. Genetics also play a role in who is susceptible or who can survive the worst of trauma. Many teens become depersonalised through smoking pot and some never recover. It can become a lifelong chronic condition treated by meds and most importantly psychotherapy. There are other triggers that may induce this horribel condition. Then worst thing for it is any alchohol or street drugs. Here is a link that explains it in more detail http://dpselfhelp.com/
Some people have episodic bouts with it and it is hell. It is rarely properly diagnosed. SSRIs are can be fatal (suicide). Mount Sanai hospital in New York is the most informed. You may contact them directly. Where do you live? A tharapist trained in dissociative disorder is the best and they know the meds that work. Clonazapam seems to be the best. Those I have encountered with this condition seek opiates which makes them feel real. That is the real path to hell.

 

Re: What causes depersonalization? » Greif

Posted by Maxime on February 19, 2006, at 18:44:30

In reply to Re: What causes depersonalization?, posted by Greif on February 19, 2006, at 18:13:47

Thank you! This is really helpful. I am going to check out that link.

Thanks again.

Maxime


> Depersonalization/derealization is in classified in the Dissociative dissorder spectrum which includes 5 or so sub catagories (I have psch degree). Dissociative Disorder at its peak may result in multiple personality(s) (sybil). The primary cause of all in the spectrum is trauma (sexual,emotianal) at an early age. Genetics also play a role in who is susceptible or who can survive the worst of trauma. Many teens become depersonalised through smoking pot and some never recover. It can become a lifelong chronic condition treated by meds and most importantly psychotherapy. There are other triggers that may induce this horribel condition. Then worst thing for it is any alchohol or street drugs. Here is a link that explains it in more detail http://dpselfhelp.com/
> Some people have episodic bouts with it and it is hell. It is rarely properly diagnosed. SSRIs are can be fatal (suicide). Mount Sanai hospital in New York is the most informed. You may contact them directly. Where do you live? A tharapist trained in dissociative disorder is the best and they know the meds that work. Clonazapam seems to be the best. Those I have encountered with this condition seek opiates which makes them feel real. That is the real path to hell.

 

Re: What causes depersonalization?

Posted by Greif on February 19, 2006, at 19:17:13

In reply to Re: What causes depersonalization? » Greif, posted by Maxime on February 19, 2006, at 18:44:30

Maxime, You are welcome. You may e-mail me at any time at vincecline1@aol.com if you have any questions. I ahve personal and clinical experience in this catagory. Years of being diagnoseed as unipoilar and BP2 and all meds taht are used worked the oposite of what they were supposed to. Recently I took began Lamicatal for the second time in 4 years and the surge of emotion and energy that accompanied it brought back a moment in my late teens where I intentianly switched off part of my emotions. The circumstances were extreme but not important. I am working with thrapist now and taking 2mg of Clonazapam a day with small dosage of lexapro. I have not felt better in many years. Weather or not this is the proper diagnosis for you is still a question. Many symptoms overlap different labels. Good luck to you. I have many other links but gave you the best I know of.

 

Re: What causes depersonalization?frightening...

Posted by stargazer on February 19, 2006, at 20:53:17

In reply to Re: What causes depersonalization?, posted by Greif on February 19, 2006, at 19:17:13

In all my years of struggling with depression, the one event which I will never forget is once waking up at night, in a trancelike state and remember looking in the mirror and didn't recognize myself, felt I was looking into the eyes of a stranger, who seemed so lost and frightened.

I didn't really ever identify what it was but it was a surreal experience. Was this depersonalization? That is what I would think might have been. I believe it was before I was on medication so it wasn't induced by any chemicals but I was seeing someone for therapy for depression.

-SG

 

Re: What causes depersonalization?frightening... » stargazer

Posted by FredPotter on February 19, 2006, at 21:16:04

In reply to Re: What causes depersonalization?frightening..., posted by stargazer on February 19, 2006, at 20:53:17

I had a similar mirror experience. I was at a party several decades ago. I went to the toilet and looked in the mirror while washing. Suddenly I thought I was in the mirror looking out or something. It was over in a flash but it elicited the most terrible fear. I've never forgotten it and still feel wary about looking in mirrors, but it has never recurred. I had been smoking a bit of dope round about then , but not at that party. I think it's the most common cause though. All dope-promoters listen up. It only takes one toke and you're never the same again
Fred

 

Re: What causes depersonalization?frightening...

Posted by SLS on February 20, 2006, at 0:08:32

In reply to Re: What causes depersonalization?frightening... » stargazer, posted by FredPotter on February 19, 2006, at 21:16:04

I suffered chronically for several years with both depersonalization and derealization as states resulting from the anxiety and depression attendant to bipolar disorder. I don't think it is necessary that one have a personality disorder or a history of abuse for this to occur. Extreme anxiety with depression seems to be sufficient for many people to act as a matrix upon which these feelings are triggered or evolve. However, once set into motion, these feelings can last for many years. In addition, having had these feelings in the past can act as a backdrop for "re-experiences" or "flash-backs" in the future. Anhedonia coupled with anxiety might foster depersonalization and derealization in the setting of a biological affective disorder.

I feel that it is important to define depersonalization and derealization as *phenomena* that can be Axis II *disorders* unto themselves as well as episodic or chronic *states* (symptoms) resulting from Axis I disorders. This is not terribly different than the relationship between OCD and OCPD. One can experience both depersonalization and derealization without suffering from a dissociative disorder.


- Scott

 

Re: What causes depersonalization?frightening...

Posted by Greif on February 20, 2006, at 7:27:22

In reply to Re: What causes depersonalization?frightening..., posted by SLS on February 20, 2006, at 0:08:32

Hello Scott, I agree with you 100%. The fact that it is catagorized under DD does not preclude other causes or overlaps. Psychiatry in its clinical sense needs labels for research. I have often wondered when people speak of "mixed states" if in fact it is BP or just needs a "label". Depersonalization can happen to anyone with a relatively normal life experience. Is this DD? I doubt it. The clinicians require labels. Any good Pshciatrist realizes this. If it was not all grey area then most meds would have same effect on those with "labels" in common. The human condition, being what it is" includes suffering. Read some of the great existentialist writers and it is likely they did not have DD. DD is a serious condition although it is treatable if diagnosed properly. Anxiety and depression can produce similar symptoms as depersonalization however not as severe or as chronic.

 

Re: What causes depersonalization?frightening... » SLS

Posted by Maxime on February 20, 2006, at 11:01:34

In reply to Re: What causes depersonalization?frightening..., posted by SLS on February 20, 2006, at 0:08:32

I agree with you Scott. It doesn't have to be the result of a trauma (although depression is traumatic). I get it when my depression is at its worst. I also get auditory hallucinations as well.

Maxime


> I suffered chronically for several years with both depersonalization and derealization as states resulting from the anxiety and depression attendant to bipolar disorder. I don't think it is necessary that one have a personality disorder or a history of abuse for this to occur. Extreme anxiety with depression seems to be sufficient for many people to act as a matrix upon which these feelings are triggered or evolve. However, once set into motion, these feelings can last for many years. In addition, having had these feelings in the past can act as a backdrop for "re-experiences" or "flash-backs" in the future. Anhedonia coupled with anxiety might foster depersonalization and derealization in the setting of a biological affective disorder.
>
> I feel that it is important to define depersonalization and derealization as *phenomena* that can be Axis II *disorders* unto themselves as well as episodic or chronic *states* (symptoms) resulting from Axis I disorders. This is not terribly different than the relationship between OCD and OCPD. One can experience both depersonalization and derealization without suffering from a dissociative disorder.
>
>
> - Scott

 

Re: What causes depersonalization?frightening...

Posted by Greif on February 20, 2006, at 18:05:49

In reply to Re: What causes depersonalization?frightening..., posted by SLS on February 20, 2006, at 0:08:32

I was unclear in my message. Dissociative (multiple personality) is a result of trauma. Depersonalization can occur from a hit of grass. Extacy is frequent trigger, often times with lifetime chronic depersonalization. Good Luck to you all. Most people with this proble are mis-diagnosed due to inability to describe the symptoms.

 

Re: What causes depersonalization?frightening... » Greif

Posted by FredPotter on February 20, 2006, at 21:08:07

In reply to Re: What causes depersonalization?frightening..., posted by Greif on February 20, 2006, at 18:05:49

I found it comforting to know (eventually) that it isn't a symptom of schizophrenia. So it doesn't generally get worse and frequently abates, as with me. Also if life seems like a dream (derealization) it doesn't have to be a bad dream

 

Re: What causes depersonalization? » Maxime

Posted by ace on February 21, 2006, at 0:06:47

In reply to What causes depersonalization?, posted by Maxime on February 18, 2006, at 17:49:53

> Hi
>
> Since I have been in this deep depression, I have been experiencing depersonalization. It's been going on for months. I can't take it much longer. It's actually scaring me.
>
> What causes it? And is it the same thing as disassociating?
>
> Maxime

Hi!

I have derealization feelings which culminate in 'attacks' which are like seizures and I feel out of this world....extremely scary.....

I also have depersonalisation syndrome which started around 7 years of age when I looked in a mirror.....

I believe these syndromes are due to abnormal neurotransmition in the anterior cingulate gyrus in the brain, the place where scientists deeply suspect is the "I" feeling we have.....

Good luck and take benzos...they save lifes!

Ace

 

Re: What causes depersonalization? » Maxime

Posted by nicky847 on February 21, 2006, at 13:01:04

In reply to Re: What causes depersonalization? » Maxime, posted by ace on February 21, 2006, at 0:06:47

From my experience, DP/DR is a symptom of a panic attack or a severly raised level of anxiety..when this happens..two things happen in your body that cause depersonalization..

1. blood flows to your extremities (arms and legs) b/c your body is preparing to RUN..not to think..thus, blood flows away from the brain and creates a light headed feeling..

2. hyperventilation occurs..which results in an overabundance of oxygen in the blood, which also causes light headedness and feelings of unreality...

when your body returns to a normal state (and it always does)..the feelings of depersonalization subside..

the thing is..the more you focus on and worry about the depersonalization feelings during an "episode"...the more your body's fight/flight mechanism kicks in..and the longer and more intense the feeling is...a therapist can help you get past the initial fear of these attacks, so that you are less alarmed by these feelings and they become less and less intense until they become wholly manageable..

good luck

 

Re: What causes depersonalization? » nicky847

Posted by FredPotter on February 21, 2006, at 13:41:59

In reply to Re: What causes depersonalization? » Maxime, posted by nicky847 on February 21, 2006, at 13:01:04

I'm sorry but I don't believe that - not in my case anyway. It's true however that it subsides if you stop dwelling on it

 

Re: What causes depersonalization?

Posted by zeugma on February 21, 2006, at 15:02:14

In reply to Re: What causes depersonalization? » nicky847, posted by FredPotter on February 21, 2006, at 13:41:59

depersonalization seems more like a continuous state of bodily disconnection, a 'leaky' state in which one is not fully 'there', than like the acute states of panic, which can aggravate the feelings of depersonalization, but which are more superimposed upon it than identical to it. As far as I know anyway.

panic responds strongly to clonazepam, while depersonalization responds to stimulants in my case. the efficacy of clonazepam in panic is well documented. reports of stimulant treatment success are out there (I doubt Ritalin has helped a single case of panic disorder), so are reports of success with clomipramine and lamictal, but in the main it is a much harder condition to treat.

-z

 

Re: What causes depersonalization? » zeugma

Posted by FredPotter on February 21, 2006, at 20:33:38

In reply to Re: What causes depersonalization?, posted by zeugma on February 21, 2006, at 15:02:14

Is it really a condition? Perhaps it's the truth. It certainly seems like it at the time. Without it JPSartre perhaps wouldn't have written what he did (which might be a good thing of course)

 

Re: What causes depersonalization?

Posted by nicky847 on February 22, 2006, at 13:46:15

In reply to Re: What causes depersonalization? » nicky847, posted by FredPotter on February 21, 2006, at 13:41:59

Well, it's important to remember that we do dwell inside human bodies, and as such are wired to experience all kinds of physical responses to the way our brains interpret a stimulus...depersonalization is one of those physical responses, and there are physical explanations for why it happens. I find it helpful to remember that.

Of course, it can also be a symptom of a more serious psychological illness, and if you are experiencing accompanying symptoms like hallucinations or psychotic episodes than you need to see a doctor who can treat your condition with the meds that are currently available.


> I'm sorry but I don't believe that - not in my case anyway. It's true however that it subsides if you stop dwelling on it

 

Re: What causes depersonalization?

Posted by Greif on February 22, 2006, at 18:09:58

In reply to Re: What causes depersonalization?, posted by nicky847 on February 22, 2006, at 13:46:15

No need to debate this condition. Mount Sanai Hospital is the leading medical facility in the US doing clinical research. It is a classified mental illness and well defined. http://pn.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/38/16/18 You can google mt Sanai DP...they have treatment available as well as research. Trying to debate cause and effect on this board will result in little. THe best thing to do is seek help if you fit into this classification.


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