The word "depersonalization" is spelled as /diːpərsənəlaɪzeɪʃən/. The first syllable is pronounced as "dee" and the second syllable is pronounced as "per". The third and fourth syllables are pronounced as "suh-nuh". The fifth syllable is pronounced as "laiz" and the sixth syllable is pronounced as "ey-shun". Spelled with a "z" instead of an "s," this word can be easily misspelled as "depersonalisation." Depersonalization is a symptom often linked to anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health disorders.
Depersonalization refers to a psychological phenomenon characterized by a sense of detachment or estrangement from one's own thoughts, emotions, and sensations. It involves a temporary loss of one's sense of self or identity, leading to a feeling of being disconnected from reality. Individuals experiencing depersonalization often describe themselves as merely observing their own thoughts, actions, and feelings, rather than actively participating in them.
This dissociative disorder can manifest in various ways, such as feeling like an outside observer of one's body, perceiving the world as unreal or dreamlike, or experiencing a distorted perception of time, space, or self. Depersonalization can be distressing and is typically accompanied by anxiety, uncertainty, and a sense of existential dread. It may occur as a result of various factors, including stress, trauma, substance abuse, sleep deprivation, or underlying mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
Depersonalization can have a significant impact on an individual's daily functioning and overall quality of life. Treatment approaches for depersonalization may include psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), intended to help individuals identify and manage triggers, learn grounding techniques, and challenge distorted thinking patterns. Other therapeutic interventions, such as mindfulness techniques, stress reduction strategies, and medication, may also be employed to alleviate symptoms and support the individual's recovery process.
Amnesia in relation to a part of the body; loss of the sense of personal ownership in a limb or other part.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "depersonalization" has its roots in the combining form "de-" which means "do the opposite of" or "reverse", and the word "personalization" which refers to the act of making something personal or individual.
The term originates from the field of psychology and describes a subjective experience where an individual feels detached from their own thoughts, feelings, and identity, causing a sense of being an outside observer of oneself. The term was first used in this psychological context in the early 20th century.