Are antidepressants effective in treating depersonalization derealization disorder: Inference from a case series

Abstract

ABSTRACT Depersonalization derealization disorder is a clinical entity where the individual experiences a sense of being detached from his or her own body, feelings, sensations or actions, and the surroundings appear to be unreal, as if occurring in a dream. However, reality testing remains intact. Primary depersonalization derealization disorder is rare, while such experiences occur more commonly in association with anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, psychosis and substance use, and also in organic brain disorders like seizure disorder or head trauma. Such disorders lie somewhere in between frank psychosis and neurosis, and there is a lack of consensus regarding treatment protocols. Here we have presented three such cases, who responded partially to antidepressant treatment, with adjuvant behavior therapy in one case. Available literature suggests that antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and cognitive behavior therapy might be effective in treating such disorders. Further research is needed to formulate more effective treatment options for this disorder.