Module Two - Depersonalization and Derealization

October 13, 2023

2 - Depersonalization and Derealization 

Content Level: Advanced

Contributors: 
Su Baker, MEd and Joan Turkus, MD

Module Description
Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder, one of the DSM-5 Dissociative Disorders, is a generally underdiagnosed and misunderstood disorder, whose lifetime prevalence is about 2% of the population. While depersonalization and derealization symptoms are found in a variety of other psychiatric diagnoses, depersonalization (the sense of detachment from one’s own self) and derealization (the sense of detachment from the world around, making it seem unreal) as diagnoses attest to the persistence and distressing symptoms, which color the experiences of the sufferer. Generally starting in the teens and often persisting over the lifespan, this disorder is difficult to treat. This module with explore the diagnosis, etiology, symptoms, affects and treatment of Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder

Objectives

  1. Define Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder
  2. Describe and discuss the etiology of Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder, it prevalence, and differential diagnosis
  3. Discuss the research findings on depersonalization and affect
  4. Discuss various treatment paradigms, including psychotherapeutic interventions and psychopharmacology, and their limitations

Readings

  1. Michal, M. et al. (2016). A case series of 223 patients with depersonalization-derealization syndrome. BMC psychiatry, 16, 203. 
  2. Simeon, D. (2014). Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder. Chapter 5 in Gabbard, G., Gabbard’s Treatments of Psychiatric Disorders, Fifth Edition, pp. 459-469. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press. 
  3. Simeon, D. , Riggio-Rosen, A., Guralnik, O., Knutelska, M. & Nelson, D. (2003) Depersonalization Disorder: Dissociation and Affect, Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 4:4, 63-76.

Timed Outline
30 minutes:    Discussion of Reading 1 and 2– defining depersonalization and derealization
30 minutes:    Discussion of Readings 1 and 2– etiology, prevalence and differential diagnoses in Depersonalization/derealization disorder
30 minutes:     Discussion of Reading 3 –  research on depersonalization and affect
30 minutes:     Discussion of Reading 2 – some treatment paradigms, including pharmacological, for working with Depersonalization/derealization disorder
30 minutes:   Discussion of student’s disguised cases, or further discussion of readings 1, 2, and 3 if no case material available.

Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 2.50 APA
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • 2.50 ASWB ACE
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2024 – 08/20/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 2.50 continuing education credits.
  • 2.50 ISSTD Certificate Program
    This program is eligible for 2.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.
Course opens: 
03/24/2023
Course expires: 
06/30/2024
Event starts: 
10/13/2023 - 10:30am EDT
Event ends: 
10/13/2023 - 1:00pm EDT
Rating: 
0

Available Credit

  • 2.50 APA
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • 2.50 ASWB ACE
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2024 – 08/20/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 2.50 continuing education credits.
  • 2.50 ISSTD Certificate Program
    This program is eligible for 2.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.
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