Monthly Archives: April 2023

Both depersonalization and derealization are signs of psychological distress and are considered dissociative disorder. Depersonalization-derealization disorder (DPDR) is a term used to describe the combination of these symptoms.

Depersonalization is the experience of distancing oneself from one’s own identity. The experience can be akin to looking at yourself on a movie screen or standing on the sidelines while your life unfolds.

Derealization is the experience of disconnection from one’s immediate surroundings and the people and things within them. Feelings of isolation from those who matter to you may intensify. You feel as though you are looking at the world through a twisted and surreal veil.

DPDR Causes

There is a lack of consensus on what triggers DPDR. Hereditary and environmental variables may make some persons more prone to depersonalization-derealization than others.

Childhood trauma or other experiences or situations that produce extreme emotional stress or suffering may contribute to developing DPDR symptoms in adulthood.

It may also stem from alcohol use disorder, extreme emotional or financial stress, or prolonged periods of despair or anxiety. Personality problems and other mental health issues or physical diseases, including epilepsy, can also set off DPDR.

DPDR Symptoms

DPDR symptoms differ based on depersonalization or derealization.

Depersonalization Signs

DPDR depersonalization symptoms include:

• Alexithymia—inability to identify or explain emotions
• Physical numbness
• Being unable to control one’s speech or actions common to those with alcohol use disorder
• Disconnection from one’s physicality, mentality, feelings, and senses
• Inability to feel anything about past events
• Feeling like cotton has been stuffed into your skull

Derealization Signs

DPDR derealization symptoms entail:

• Distance and object size/shape distortions
• Increased sensitivity to your environment
• A sense that recent occurrences belong to another era
• A world that is distorted, flat, monochromatic, unrealistic, oversized, or cartoonish

Practical Coping Strategies for Managing DPDR

As difficult as these symptoms are, there are some things you can do that will help alleviate them when they occur. Here are ways to cope with DPDR:

Grounding Workouts

Maintaining a solid relationship with your immediate surroundings. Making sure you are applying intentional mindfulness and awareness. For instance:

• Reaching out and touching the earth
• Being in physical contact with something
• Doing something relaxing, like listening to music and singing

Engage in Mindful Activity

Meditation and other forms of mindfulness can also help you with a sense of presence and bodily awareness. Experts say that these methods teach one to securely and quietly monitor physical and emotional sensations.

Adopting a Healthy Routine

Getting enough sleep can be a good stress management and anxiety reduction technique. Aerobic exercise has been shown to alleviate burnout, and since depersonalization is a hallmark of burnout, this is encouraging news. It would help if you also considered making and sticking with some dietary changes.

Getting Help With DPDR in Newport Beach

DPDR is a serious condition. It is incredibly isolating and can contribute to clinical depression and more. Living life as if your reality is like a dream is not a healthy way to experience being alive.

Getting help from a DPDR center such as Lido Wellness Center in Newport Beach is crucial in managing your symptoms and regaining a sense of wellness. Our CBT therapy in Newport Beach, as well as our EMDR center in Newport Beach, have both proven successful in treating DPDR. Call us today to talk to a mental health specialist and see your best options.

Sources:

1. “Depersonalization and Derealization” – from the National Institute of Mental Health (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depersonalization-derealization-disorder/index.shtml)
2. “Depersonalization Disorder: A Guide to Symptoms, Treatment and Hope” – from the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (https://www.isst-d.org/resources/depersonalization-disorder-a-guide-to-symptoms-treatment-and-hope/)
3. “Depersonalization and Derealization Disorder” – from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depersonalization-derealization-disorder)
4. “Depersonalization-derealization disorder: what we know so far” – from the journal of Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5960172/)

Trigger warning … we are going to talk a little about vomiting. Though if you already know what emetophobia is, you already know that.

Emetophobia is a specific phobia characterized by an intense fear of vomiting.

It is often so bad it can significantly impact a person’s daily life. They might have to avoid certain foods, social situations, and even travel because of the potential (or perceived potential) of vomit.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that cause repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) to alleviate anxiety.

Can you see the connection?

Potential Connection between Emetophobia and OCD

Though not always, there are certainly times emetophobia can manifest as a specific type of OCD in which the obsessions and compulsions are centered around the fear of vomiting. For example, individuals with emetophobia and OCD may engage in excessive checking behaviors, such as checking expiration dates on food or avoiding contact with people who are sick, to prevent the possibility of vomiting.

They may compulsively check their temperature, pulse, or other physical sensations for signs of illness. This can cause them to miss work, school, or other important commitments.

Impact on Daily Life

 The emetophobia and OCD connection can profoundly impact people’s lives, causing significant limitations in their daily activities. For those with emetophobia, it’s not uncommon to avoid certain foods or restaurants, leading to feelings of social isolation and difficulty maintaining relationships. In severe cases, some individuals may feel too anxious to leave their homes, which can mean loneliness and depression.

Social situations can be particularly challenging for individuals with emetophobia-OCD. Fear of vomiting can cause anxiety in public places, parties, and public transportation. This can cause significant distress, social isolation, and difficulty forming and maintaining relationships. Furthermore, OCD compulsions such as excessive cleaning or handwashing can be socially stigmatizing, leading to embarrassment and shame.

Impact on Eating Habits and More

The fear of vomiting can significantly impact an individual’s eating habits, leading to restrictive diets, malnutrition, and weight loss. Emetophobic people may avoid certain foods or food groups, such as meat or dairy, because they associate them with vomiting. Furthermore, the fear of vomiting can cause anxiety around mealtimes, resulting in nausea, loss of appetite, or even vomiting.

They may obsessively clean and disinfect their environment, clothes, and personal belongings to avoid any risk of contamination or infection. Cleaning all day long can be time-consuming and expensive and interfere with their daily life and routines.

Treatment Options for Emetophobia and OCD

It makes sense that someone with emetophobia may think they have OCD. And they might. But the good news is there is treatment for both.

The emetophobia-OCD connection requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the specific phobia and the OCD symptoms. Treatment options may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and medication. CBT can help individuals challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs about vomiting, while ERP can help them gradually face their fears and reduce avoidance behaviors.

If you want to know more about emetophobia and OCD, call us today to talk to a mental health care advisor.

Sources:

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Emetophobia: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/emetophobia-fear-of-vomiting/index.shtml
• International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) – Emetophobia: https://iocdf.org/expert-opinions/emetophobia/
• Verywell Mind – How Emetophobia and OCD Are Connected: https://www.verywellmind.com/the-connection-between-emetophobia-and-ocd-2510574
• Medical News Today – What is Emetophobia and How is it Treated? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/emetophobia