Feeling Unreal : Depersonalization Disorder and the Loss of the Self

Feeling Unreal is the first book to reveal what depersonalization disorder is all about. This important volume explores not only depersonalization, but the philosophical and literary implications of selflessness as well, while providing the latest research, possible treatments, and strategies for living and thriving when life seems 'unreal.' For those who still believe that such experiences are still a part of something else, that depersonalization is just a symptom and not a disorder in its own right, Feeling Unreal presents compelling evidence to the contrary. This book provides long-awaited answers for people suffering from depersonalization disorder and their loved ones, for mental health professionals, and for all students of the condition, while serving as a wake up call to the medical community at large. "Everything feels unreal to me, like a dream...I feel detached, like a stranger to myself." These are quotes from actual people, experiencing something they don't understand. What they are saying is being heard by friends, families, and physicians today more than ever before. They do not simply suffer from anxiety, or depression, and they are not schizophrenic. They have found themselves trapped in a very real and singular disorder, yet few even know its name. Their enigmatic state of mind has been studied for more than 100 years, but only recently has it become clear how prevalent and how distinctive it really is. The condition is called Depersonalization Disorder , and Feeling Unreal is the first book to reveal what it's all about. This important volume explores not only Depersonalization, but the philosophical and literary implications of selflessness as well, while providing the latest research, possible treatments, and ways to live and thrive when life seems "unreal." For those who still believe that such experiences are merely part of something else, that depersonalization is just a symptom and not a disorder in its own right, Feeling Unreal presents compelling evidence to the contrary. This book provides long-awaited answers for people suffering from Depersonalization Disorder and their loved ones, for mental health professionals, and for all students of the condition, while serving as a wake up call to the medical community at large. Contents......Page 10 Introduction......Page 14 1 Strangers to Our Selves......Page 16 2 Expressions of the Inexpressible......Page 28 3 The Path of Understanding—A Century of Exploration......Page 60 4 Diagnosing Depersonalization Disorder......Page 82 5 Unraveling the Enigma: Clinical Research on Depersonalization Disorder......Page 94 6 The Biology of Depersonalization......Page 116 7 The Blow of the Void......Page 138 8 Medication Treatment of Depersonalization......Page 170 9 Psychotherapy Treatment of Depersonalization......Page 182 Epilogue: Living Unreal......Page 212 Frequently Asked Questions......Page 218 Notes......Page 230 A......Page 244 C......Page 245 D......Page 246 E......Page 247 I......Page 248 M......Page 249 P......Page 250 S......Page 251 T......Page 252 W......Page 253 "This volume explores not only depersonalization, but the philosophical and literary implications of selflessness as well, while providing the latest research, possible treatments, and ways to live and thrive when life seems "unreal." For those who still believe that such experiences are merely part of something else, that depersonalization is just a symptom and not a disorder in its own right, Feeling Unreal presents evidence to the contrary. This book provides long-awaited answers for people suffering from Depersonalization disorder and their loved ones, for mental health professionals, and for all students of the condition, while serving as a wake-up call to the medical community at large."--BOOK JACKET Strangers to our selves Expressions of the inexpressible The path of understanding- a century of exploration Diagnosing depersonalization disorder Unraveling the enigma: clinical research on depersonalization disorder The biology of depersonalization The blow of the void Medication treatment of depersonalization Psychotherapy treatment of depersonalization. Strangers to our selves Expressions of the inexpressible The path of understanding- a century of exploration Diagnosing depersonalization disorder Unraveling the enigma: clinical research on depersonalization disorder The biology of depersonalization The blow of the void Pharmacological treatment Psychotherapeutic treatment of depersonalization. Depersonalization is the third most common psychiatric symptom, yet few people even know its name. It can turn life into a nightmare of unreality and detachment from the normal sense of self. This book provides information on this symptom that is useful for patients and physician alike.