Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder, or DP/DR, is among the most common yet under-recognized psychiatric conditions in the world. Little research has been done on this disorder although it affects millions of people worldwide who suffer in silence everyday. According to studies in both Britain and the US, DP/DR could affect up to 2% of the population – that is, around 1.3 million people in the UK, and 6.4 million in the US. In view of the size of the problem, more research on the disorder and its optimal treatment is urgently required.
Depersonalization/Derealization disorder is a highly distressing mental illness. The American Psychiatric Association classifies it as a dissociative disorder, a class of mental health conditions that disrupt memory, awareness, identity or perception. People who have depersonalization-derealization disorder feel disconnected from their mind or body (depersonalization) or their surroundings (derealization). These sensations cause chronic anxiety and depression to sufferers, which inevitably disrupt every aspect of their lives.
Up to 75% of people experience at least one depersonalization/derealization episode in their lives, and approximately 2% meet the full criteria to classify it as a chronic disorder. DP/DR can often be a long-term mental health condition - a lot of people suffering from it can have the condition for many years or even decades without a second of relief.
I struggle with this condition and I’d like it to be exposed. Thank you for reading.
Depersonalization/Derealization disorder is a highly distressing mental illness. The American Psychiatric Association classifies it as a dissociative disorder, a class of mental health conditions that disrupt memory, awareness, identity or perception. People who have depersonalization-derealization disorder feel disconnected from their mind or body (depersonalization) or their surroundings (derealization). These sensations cause chronic anxiety and depression to sufferers, which inevitably disrupt every aspect of their lives.
Up to 75% of people experience at least one depersonalization/derealization episode in their lives, and approximately 2% meet the full criteria to classify it as a chronic disorder. DP/DR can often be a long-term mental health condition - a lot of people suffering from it can have the condition for many years or even decades without a second of relief.
I struggle with this condition and I’d like it to be exposed. Thank you for reading.
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