Depersonalization Disorder Can Result In Sleep Disorders

Lots of people have certain moments where they feel out of touch with reality. These kind of feelings happen during times of grief, stress, or lack of sleep. Although, when feelings like these begin to interfere with a person's daily functions and continue for long periods of time, the person might be suffering from a mental disorder called depersonalization disorder.

Those who suffer from depersonalization disorder, often feel as if they are not in the real world. They usually feel as if they are going through the motions. In bad cases, they may feel like they are watching their life slip away like in a movie or a play. Other symptoms are absence of emotion and feeling, lack of thoughts, and loss of taste. The person can also feel like their voice sounds very far away.

Although the exact cause of depersonalization disorder is unknown, the disorder has been linked with childhood abuse, especially abuse that is sexual or emotional in nature. The disorder has also been linked to cases where accidents, extremely stressful situations, and physical trauma have occurred.

In the past, depersonalization treatment has primarily revolved around medication. Naloxene, benzodiazepine, and certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have shown some promising signs in treating this disorder. However, no medication has been proven to control the disorder's symptoms so that the person functions at a normal level.

Right now, treatments are being investigated which might provide non-medicinal depersonalization help. By increasing the quantity of fruits and vegetables in the sufferer's diet, and lessening the quantity of red meat and dairy items which are high in fat, some positive results have been observed. Exercising daily appears to be beneficial as well. The therapy currently showing the most potential is behavioral therapy in which the person learns to relate these thoughts of dissociation with the adverse thought patterns.

It can take a toll on the patient and their families involved for those who are suffering from the mental disorder. Since the disorder often happens along with other mental disorders like bi-polar disorder and depression, the mental and emotional pain can seem insurmountable and overwhelming. Although, with new treatments that don't include medications that hold a considerable promise, depersonalization patients and their families can see into the future with a new promise.

Individuals with depersonalization disorder are often saddled with the feeling that they are watching their day to day activities through a camera lens. At this time the exact cause has not been determined but it has been linked with childhood abuse, most specifically, sexual or emotional in nature. Naloxene, benzodiazepine, and some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been the primary source for depersonalization treatment which has generated some success. Non-conventional depersonalization help has included increasing fruits, vegetables and exercise along with behavioral therapy, decreasing red meat and dairy. The toll on patient and families can be devastating, however, both patient and their families can have hope for the future.

- Jonathan Drake

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