R2 - 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
A.    Michal, M. et al. (2016). A case series of 223 patients with depersonalization-derealization syndrome. BMC psychiatry, 16, 203. 
B.    Gentile, J. P., et al. (2014). Stress and trauma: psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy for Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder. Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience. 11(7-8), 37-41
C.    Spiegel, D. (2017). Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder. Merck Manual: Professional Version. 
D.    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 A, C and D
30 minutes:    Discussion of Readings A, C and D 
30 minutes:     Discussion of Reading D 
30 minutes:     Discussion of Reading B 
30 minutes:   Discussion of student’s disguised cases, or further discussion of readings A, B, C and D if no case material available.