5
Introduction to DPD
When I begun my research I encountered many obstacles, as a sufferer myself, I had been almost forced to unravel this disorder on my own, due to it's exile from the system.
Seeking the information was important in clarifying the baffling condition for my own needs but to also share it with other's who may too be suffering from depersonalization disorder.
I have put together the work of researchers and examiners, and added my own findings and statistics, as well as sharing my own personal insight, in order to shed some light on the disorder. I hope this will help others and myself in gaining an understanding of a disorder with limited exposure.
Credit to researchers and works of Mauricio Sierra, M.D Daphne Simeon , M.D, Jeffrey Abugel, Fugen Neziroglu, Katherine Donnelly and Marlene Steinberg.
Depersonalization disorder affects millions of people worldwide, yet very few even know its name.
This intriguing phenomenon can become a significant source of distress and alienation for those suffering from it. It can pose a direct challenge for sufferers who may ruminate about their own existence and identity of the self.
For a sufferer of Depersonalization disorder, also referred to as DPD, the world within and the world around may appear strange and unfamiliar. This may happen spontaneously. The strange feeling of unreality may last for prolonged periods of time.
Depersonalized people may complain that there mental activity, body and surroundings appear differently in their quality, as though what they are experiencing is unreal, remote or automized.
The sufferer will often feel detached from the sense of self they once knew, and struggle for many years for answers that are hard to come by.
A fleeting feeling of unreality is arguably felt by everyone, during times of shock or overwhelming experiences.
The onset of depersonalization may happen after a traumatic event, while in new unfamiliar surroundings, or in times of prolonged or severe stress, it can also appear spontaneously without any apparent trigger.
As a defense mechanism, depersonalization serves a purpose – to mentally distance an individual from horrific or overwhelming circumstances. This mechanism can go awry and exhibit a darker side, which manifests itself into a chronic disorder.
S.Khan