Ways To Treat Depersonalization Disorder

Depersonalization disorder is a mental condition that causes patients to feel like they are observing themselves from outside their body. Derealization accompanies the disorder, causing patients to feel like things are not real. Depersonalization disorder is a dissociative disorder but can also be a symptom of other issues, like a seizure disorder. A dissociative disorder constitutes a mental illness that interrupts awareness, memory, and perception. This interruption can cause patients many problems and inhibit their ability to function properly in relationships and activities. However, patients often know the disassociation is not real, so it is not a break from reality. Getting help for the condition can involve one or more of the following treatments.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy can help with depersonalization disorder by helping patients identify what risk factors may have brought about the condition. Because the disorder usually happens for short periods, it can be very beneficial for patients to understand the illness and learn tools to help them through it. Psychotherapy can help patients work through the severe stress and trauma they may have experienced during their lifetime. Using the professional skills of a therapist allows patients to uncover past traumas and events that may have an impact on their psyche. Individuals can learn new tools and techniques for dealing with the underlying issues. Therapists can use cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to help patients feel more a part of themselves and their environment. It may take a combination of approaches to achieve the desired result. These approaches are varied and can be fun and introspective.

Clinical Hypnosis

Clinical hypnosis is a therapy that uses focused attention, relaxation, and concentration to help patients access deeper memories from within the mind. Sometimes these memories are hidden, and the conscious mind cannot access them. Unearthing hidden memories can shed light on trauma, problems, and events that have psychologically damaged the patient. With these memories revealed, individuals can use therapy to deal with and work through them. This can lead to using therapeutic strategies to help patients navigate through recovering from the events. Knowing there is an underlying reason for their depersonalization disorder can help patients accept the diagnosis and get the help they need. Many times, depersonalization is a defense or reaction to an event or trauma. Hypnosis can help patients find tools to retrain their brain and instead of depersonalization as a defense, they can use hypnotic relaxation as a defense.

Art Or Music Therapy

Art and music therapy helps patients get in touch with feelings and emotions beneath the surface. These therapies include drawing, singing, painting, coloring, sculpting, songwriting, or playing an instrument, and lots of information can be obtained through these artistic avenues. It is also important for patients to use a therapist trained in this kind of therapy and who can decode the undertones of the creative expression. The art and music can lead to patients better understanding their behaviors and feelings. This is a starting point to address deeper issues and subjects.

It is sometimes easier to express oneself artistically rather than verbally. Patients do not always have the words to express how they are feeling. But paint, color, and other artistic outlets allow them to create what they are feeling, even without realizing it. The job of the therapist is to help patients see the expression of their underlying problems and stressors. This can help individuals get more in touch with themselves and their surroundings. This kind of interaction and expression can help treat depersonalization disorder. Art or music therapy, when coupled with other therapies, can be a wonderful way to let patients understand themselves better.

Family Therapy

Individuals may be diagnosed with depersonalization disorder, but their family may not understand what that means and how it affects their lives. This is why family therapy is a good thing for patients to incorporate into their therapy schedule. Family therapy will give patients the support of a therapist to try to explain the condition to their family. It gives the family an opportunity to ask questions and get the support of the therapist to help the patient verbalize what having the disorder means and what it looks like. This kind of therapy helps the family understand the patient is not always in control of their behaviors, and what they (the family) see is not purposeful but may be a defense mechanism. Patients can choose to share as much as they want with their family, and it may take some time and commitment from all involved to be successful. Additionally, family members might be able to provide information that could prove to be valuable in the patient's treatment.

Medication

Unfortunately, there is no medication designed specifically to treat depersonalization disorder. However, there are antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications that can treat depression and anxiety, which often come with depersonalization disorder. Other medications, like antipsychotics, can help if depersonalization disorder is accompanied by disordered thinking and perception. Although the medications will not treat depersonalization disorder directly, they can help alleviate some of the symptoms of accompanying disorders. However, there are always new medications being developed to treat new and existing illnesses. It may take a combination of medicines to treat the disorder properly. Sometimes obtaining the right combination takes a while, but it is worth it if the patient gets relief.