The Narratives and Lived Experiences of People with Derealization-Depersonalization Disorder

Abstract

Derealization-Depersonalization Disorder (DPDR) is a dissociative disorder that causes individuals to feel disconnected from their surroundings or from themselves. Despite affecting a significant number of people, the disorder remains underdiagnosed and poorly understood, especially in terms of lived experience. This study uses a qualitative case study approach to explore the personal experiences of two individuals diagnosed with Derealization and both Derealization and Depersonalization. The data was collected through open-ended surveys and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes such as emotional disconnection, difficulties in relationships, misdiagnosis and personal coping strategies. The findings show that DPDR has a serious impact on the emotional well-being, social life and daily functioning of the participants. Both of the participants’ responses show a strong sense of detachment, and along with that emotional numbness and challenges in receiving proper support are also reported. The participants also highlighted the need for patient-centered care, a greater need for awareness among mental health professionals and the requirement of valuing personal narratives in understanding the full scope of the disorder. While the sample size limits the generalizability of the results, the study adds to the limited qualitative research on Derealization-Depersonalization and suggests directions for future research on including more in-depth interviews, family perspectives and long-term treatment outcomes.