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Published on: 7/15/2026

How can I stop or get rid of depersonalization?

Depersonalization treatment typically combines psychotherapy and, in some cases, medication to help you reconnect with your sense of self. The most common approaches include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps reframe distorted thoughts and reduce dissociative episodes.
  • Psychodynamic therapy: Addresses underlying emotional triggers, such as trauma or chronic stress.
  • Medications: SSRIs or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed when depersonalization occurs alongside anxiety or depression.
  • Grounding techniques: Mindfulness and sensory exercises can help you feel more present in the moment.

Because depersonalization can stem from many causes—anxiety, trauma, depression, or even certain medical conditions—identifying the right treatment starts with understanding what's driving your symptoms. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you clarify possible causes and guide your next steps toward the right care.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Depersonalization can be very confusing, but there are ways to manage and reduce these feelings. One important way is to work with a therapist who specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps you learn new ways to think about your feelings and actions, so you can feel more in control and connected to yourself. Some people also try medications like fluoxetine and buspirone, which may help ease the symptoms for some individuals. While there was also research into using lamotrigine, its use is still being studied and is not a clear solution for everyone. In therapy, you can also learn grounding and mindfulness techniques. These methods help bring your focus to the present moment, reducing the feeling that you are detached or "outside" of your body. It is important to remember that everyone's experience with depersonalization is different. With time, patience, and a combination of professional support and self-help techniques, many people start feeling more like themselves again. If you're experiencing these symptoms and want to better understand what might be happening, you can use a free symptom checker as a helpful first step before reaching out to a trusted healthcare professional to create a treatment plan that works for you.

(References)

  • Hunter EC, Phillips ML, Chalder T, Sierra M, David AS. Depersonalisation disorder: a cognitive-behavioural conceptualisation. Behav Res Ther. 2003 Dec;41(12):1451-67. doi: 10.1016/s0005-7967(03)00066-4. PMID: 14583413.

  • Abbas S, Chandra PS, Srivastava M. The use of fluoxetine and buspirone for treatment-refractory depersonalization disorder. J Clin Psychiatry. 1995 Oct;56(10):484. PMID: 7559376.

  • Aliyev NA, Aliyev ZN. Lamotrigine in the immediate treatment of outpatients with depersonalization disorder without psychiatric comorbidity: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2011 Feb;31(1):61-5. doi: 10.1097/JCP.0b013e31820428e1. Retraction in: J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2014 Dec;34(6):671. doi: 10.1097/JCP.0000000000000243. PMID: 21192145.

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