Published on: 3/5/2025
Treatment for depersonalization usually involves working with a mental health professional through approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy and sometimes medications, to help you feel more connected to yourself.
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 these feelings continue, please consider reaching out to a trusted healthcare professional to create a treatment plan that works for you.
(References)
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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.
Somer E, Amos-Williams T, Stein DJ. Evidence-based treatment for Depersonalisation-derealisation Disorder (DPRD). BMC Psychol. 2013 Oct 28;1(1):20. doi: 10.1186/2050-7283-1-20. PMID: 25566370; PMCID: PMC4269982.
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