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The spectrum of organic depersonalization: A review plus four new cases

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Maya Sieber-Blum

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Abstract

Depersonalization and derealization are commonly reported in the general population as a response to stress. The symptoms have also been described in patients with a primary psychiatric or organic diagnosis, where their secondary status precludes a DSM-IV diagnosis of depersonalization disorder. The authors present 4 new cases of depersonalization in patients with an underlying organic condition, along with 47 cases from the literature in which the available information permits diagnosis of organic depersonalization. Information from case series documenting depersonalization in the context of medical illnesses is also presented and the underlying etiology discussed. Epilepsy and migraine appear to be the disorders most commonly associated with depersonalization. Left-sided temporal lobe dysfunction and anxiety are suggested as factors ill the development of depersonalization; however, further studies are needed to determine the relationship. The introduction to the DSM-IV of all organic subtype of depersonalization disorder would facilitate research in this area.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Lambert MV, Sierra M, Phillips ML, David AS

Publication type: Review

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences

Year: 2002

Volume: 14

Issue: 2

Pages: 141-154

ISSN (print): 0895-0172

ISSN (electronic): 1545-7222

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1176/appi.neuropsych.14.2.141

DOI: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.14.2.141

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