Depersonalization

Depersonalization (or depersonalisation) is an anomaly of self-awareness that can occur under the influence of hallucinogenic substances, particularly dissociatives. It consists of a feeling of watching oneself act as they normally would, while having no control over a situation. One may feel that they are "on autopilot" and that the world has become vague, dreamlike, less real, or lacking in significance. Individuals who experience depersonalization feel divorced from their own personal physicality by sensing their body sensations, feelings, emotions and behaviors as not belonging to the same person or identity. Often a person who has experienced depersonalization claims that things seem unreal or hazy during this state.

Chronic depersonalization refers to depersonalization disorder, which is classified by the DSM-IV as a dissociative disorder. This can be a disturbing experience since many feel that, indeed, they are living in a "dream". Though degrees of depersonalization and derealization can happen to anyone who is subject to temporary anxiety or stress, chronic depersonalization is more related to individuals who have experienced a severe trauma or prolonged stress or anxiety.

A similar experience with its own associated psychological disorder is known as derealization. The difference between these two states is that that depersonalization is a subjective experience of unreality in one's sense of self, while derealization is unreality of the outside world.

Psychoactive substances

Compounds within our psychoactive substance index which may cause this effect include:

See also

• Depersonlization (Wikipedia)
• Derealization
• Subjective effects index
• Psychedelics - Subjective effects
• Dissociatives - Subjective effects