False perception of reality is a type of dissociative disorder that affects about 1-2% of the world’s population. Symptoms of this disease cause a lot of troubles for the patient’s life. It should be treated early to be able to control it quickly, avoid chronic disease progression and lead to complications.
What is false perception disorder?
Dissociation disorder (DPDR) is also known as depersonalization disorder – one of the dissociative disorders. This disease is characterized by a feeling of detachment from the body or surroundings. Accompanying that is the feeling that you are observing yourself from outside your body.
Many people have experienced a moment of depersonalization, dissociation, or misrepresentation. However, when these sensations continue to occur or never go away completely, interfering with your ability to function, it is diagnosed as a perceptual disorder. This disorder is more common in people who have experienced trauma.
Perception of reality affects about 1-2% of the world’s population, can be experienced in both men and women. The disease tends to have an early onset between the ages of 16 and 17. However, there are also some cases that appear from childhood, 5% of the onset of symptoms after the age of 25 years. Of these, it is very rare to see a late onset after the age of 40.
Depersonalization disorder can be severe and interfere with relationships, work, and daily activities. Psychotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for this condition, although sometimes medication may also be used.
Causes of perceptual disturbances of false reality
The exact cause of depersonalization disorder is still poorly understood. Some people may be more susceptible to this disease than others due to genetic and environmental factors. High levels of stress and fear can also trigger flare-ups of symptoms.
In addition, the symptoms of dissociation may be related to childhood trauma. In addition, events that cause severe stress or trauma may also be involved.
Factors that are likely to increase the risk of delusional disorder include:
- Certain personality traits: People with a shy personality, who refuse or avoid difficult situations, etc. are often at a higher risk of developing depersonalization disorder. At this time, the patient himself wants to escape from reality, so there will appear feelings of depersonalization, dissociation and detachment from reality.
- Childhood trauma: Most DPDR patients have experienced neglect or emotional abuse since childhood. This is also the reason why DPDR has an early onset. In addition, young children who are physically abused are also at higher risk of illness than usual.
- Family history: Some studies have shown that people with DPDR often have parents with impaired neurological function or severe mental disorders. This affects brain function. It is also closely related to dissociative disorders.
- Unexpected Traumatic Events: Events such as the loss of a loved one, bankruptcy, a serious accident, etc. can all cause severe stress and increase the risk of developing depersonalization disorder.
- Witnessing domestic violence: Children living in homes with frequent violence are at higher risk for DPDR. Due to being too traumatized, when growing up, children may be disconnected from family members. At the same time, create an invisible glass wall to lock yourself inside.
In fact, stress due to finances, personal and professional conflicts, use of stimulants, etc. can cause the disorder to recur. In addition, anxiety disorders and depression are also factors that can trigger flare-ups of DPDR symptoms.
Signs to recognize false perception disorder
The symptoms of misperception disorder are quite diverse, especially when these symptoms are often episodic. The variation in intensity and duration of symptoms is also quite distinct.
There are cases when symptoms appear for only a few hours or days, but in many cases symptoms last from months to years. In addition, there are also some patients whose symptoms do not change in intensity for many years.
According to research, experts divide the symptoms of misperception disorder into two main groups. As follows:
– Unrealistic symptoms:
This is a group of symptoms characterized by a feeling of detachment from everything around. Including people, utensils, animals and more. Common false symptoms include:
- Feeling alienated from the surroundings. For example, the feeling you are living in a dream or in a movie.
- Feel emotionally disconnected from the people you care about. It’s as if you were separated by an invisible glass wall.
- The surroundings can be distorted, blurred, colorless, two-dimensional or artificial. Or you can also become more aware of your surroundings.
- There are distortions in the perception of time. For example, events are recent but feel like a distant past. You may feel that time goes by too quickly or too slowly.
- Distortion in distance, size and shape of objects.
Symptoms of depersonalization:
This is the feeling of being separated from the body. Simultaneously witnessing emotions and minds from the outside. When experiencing depersonalization symptoms, the patient may feel that they are not real. Symptoms often include:
- Feeling that you are an external observer of thoughts, feelings, or parts of the body. As if you were floating in the air.
- Feel yourself like a robot. Or you can’t control your words or movements.
- Feeling that the body, arm, or leg looks distorted, enlarged, or atrophied. Or you may feel your head is wrapped in a floating layer of cotton.
- Feel the separation between the emotional and the physical. At this stage, the person is often less emotional and may be disconnected from the memory. It seems that they cannot clearly remember the events that happened.
- Some people can still remember the memory but can’t remember clearly whether the memory is their own or not.
The symptoms of derealization disorder are easily confused with psychosis. However, the difference between these two diseases is that depersonalization patients are always aware that their unrealistic experiences are real. While the psychotic patient’s experience is due to hallucinations or delusions.
How does false perception disorder affect reality?
Misperception disorder is a relatively common form of dissociative disorder. This disease affects about 1-2% of the population worldwide. Often, symptoms of the disease will begin after severe stress and tend to improve without treatment.
However, there are also many patients with misperception disorder that are chronic and resistant to treatment. The symptoms of the disease cause a lot of trouble in life. The distortion in perception will make the person less emotional and alienated from others.
Most people with depersonalization disorder find it very difficult to study/work as usual. In addition, some people lose their social functions altogether. Especially when DPDR is associated with anxiety disorders and depression.
Feeling detached from reality and disconnected from one’s emotions makes it difficult for the sufferer to make friends. It is almost impossible for them to get married. In addition, there are many problems in the job search.
In addition, to relieve themselves of the heaviness and discomfort, some patients choose to use stimulants. Even to seek self-harm or suicide and lead to tragic events.
Diagnosing perceptual disorder false reality
According to the American National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), about three out of every four adults have experienced a difficult time in their lives. However, only about 2% meet the criteria for perceptual disorder of reality (DPDR).
To diagnose DPDR, your doctor first needs to make sure that there is no other cause for your symptoms. Such as seizure disorder, drug use or other mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Sometimes an electroencephalogram (EEG), an MRI or CT scan of the brain, and other tests will also be done to rule out some physical problems. Psychological tests, specially structured questionnaires or interviews can also help diagnose depersonalization disorder.
When other potential causes are ruled out, the physician will review the DPDR criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-5). Consists of:
The patient has episodes of misrepresentation, depersonalization, or both that are continuous or repetitive.
Patients understand that feeling away from reality or not belonging to themselves are completely real experiences.
Suffering or significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning as a result of symptoms.
Coping with false perception disorder
Here are some simple solutions that you should take to overcome your delusional disorder:
1. Acknowledge and accept the feeling the illness causes
The sensations of dissociation are usually not dangerous and can gradually go away. You should remind yourself that this feeling, although very unpleasant, is only temporary. This will help reassure yourself and make it less likely to affect you.
You can tell yourself “this feeling will go away”, “I feel so strange but fine”,… Think of every situation where you feel like you are being misperceived and always Remember, that feeling will pass.
2. Focus on the immediate surroundings
You should pay attention to what degree it is today, what sounds you are hearing or what you see around you. Use an object nearby, such as a pen to write or turn on a fan. These things will bring your mind to reality. It also reduces the feeling of separation.
You can also bring something with you that gives you a sense of touch. For example, sandpaper or furry items to hold when extreme misperception of reality occurs.
If you can, listen to music. Focus on tunes that give a positive feeling instead of music that increases feelings of sadness and anxiety. Music is very effective with most mental illnesses. In particular, it can significantly reduce anxiety, depression or agitation – sensations that can arise in the case of chronic misperception.
3. Connect with people around
You can start a new conversation or return to an existing one. This can bring you back to reality. If you are alone, you can text or call relatives and friends to chat.
You don’t have to show other people that you’re having a misperception. However, there are also many people who know or have experienced this situation. If you feel comfortable talking about your feelings with another person as they arise.
4. Alleviate anxiety-induced false perception of reality
Anxiety and stress can increase your risk of developing a delusional disorder or make your symptoms worse. Some solutions to help ease anxiety and manage illness include:
– Diaphragm breathing exercises:
When you feel anxious, your body can go into a fight-or-flight mode. Deep diaphragmatic breathing can interrupt that response and help you relax.
To practice diaphragmatic breathing, lie on your back in bed. Place a pillow below the knee to keep the leg bent. Place one hand on the chest and the other just below the ribcage to feel the movement of the diaphragm. Inhale deeply through the nose and feel the abdomen is full of the hand (note: the hand on the chest must remain still). Squeeze your abs, exhaling with your lips half-closed to ensure that your chest stays still.
If you are in a group of people, ask permission to go to the bathroom or another private place to practice deep breathing. You can breathe in rhythm for 5-10 minutes, practice about 3-4 times a day whenever you feel anxious or have symptoms of misperception.
– Exercise regularly:
As analyzed above, misperception disorder is often associated with anxiety disorders and depression. Exercise is a great way to ease feelings of detachment from reality. Physical activity boosts your confidence, reduces and controls stress levels. You can go for a daily walk, a light run or any other physical activity.
Researchers have also found that a neuropeptide (called galanin) is released both during and after you exercise. It helps protect nerve roots in the prefrontal cortex. This helps the brain regulate emotions and relieve stress.
Spend time participating in active activities:
Your hobby could be painting, playing guitar, collecting antiques or making souvenirs, etc. Whatever you have to do to relieve stress, try to do it regularly. Especially when you feel anxious or detached. This helps prevent extreme anxiety and reduces situations where you misperceive reality.
You need to practice stress management on a daily basis. Take time to sit quietly or do activities you enjoy. Don’t ever think about saving these times.
Get enough sleep:
Maintaining a regular sleep schedule of 8 to 9 hours a night is an important factor in reducing anxiety and overcoming anxiety-based misperception. Research shows that sleep and anxiety/stress are interrelated. If you can’t control one side, the other side will have problems too.
It is necessary to follow a healthy sleep regime, get enough sleep. This will help you combat feelings of separation. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, build a relaxation routine before bed. Also stop using electronic devices for at least 1 hour before going to bed. Here are some tips to help you get a good night’s sleep.
How to treat false perception disorder
Some people have experienced brief periods of misperception. However, for many others, this is an uncomfortable and persistent feeling.
If you have a chronic disillusionment disorder that is causing problems with your work, daily activities, relationships or you feel unstable, see your doctor right away.
Here are the main treatments for misrepresentation disorder:
1. Psychotherapy
Misperception disorder is often related to childhood trauma or traumatic events. Therefore, psychotherapy is considered the main treatment for this disease.
Before therapeutic intervention, psychologists will find out all the stress factors related to the pathogenesis. At the same time, identify recurrent stages of misperception disorder. Such as neglect, childhood abuse, occupation, financial pressure, etc.
Psychotherapy methods that may be used include:
- Cognitive therapy: Focuses on changing thoughts about feelings that are not real.
- Behavioral therapy: Helps you develop behavioral strategies to distract from the symptoms of misperception.
- Psychodynamic therapy: Addressing painful feelings and experiences that make you want to separate from yourself and reality.
- Sensory therapy: Using the five senses to help you feel more connected to yourself and your surroundings.
Psychotherapeutic methods will help patients understand why they have symptoms of misperception disorder. It also increases the connection between the patient and his/her own emotions and the world around him.
After the symptoms of the illness are resolved, the psychologist will teach the person how to deal with stress. This minimizes future recurrences.
Where childhood trauma is found, a psychologist will address the emotions associated with the event. Thereby helping to completely treat the disorder of false perception of reality. In addition, psychotherapy is also used to control anxiety disorders and depression in depersonalized patients.
2. Drug use
To date, there are no drugs that are beneficial for the treatment of delusional disorder. However, if the patient shows signs of anxiety and depression due to the effects of depersonalization symptoms, the doctor may prescribe medication.
Some commonly prescribed medications include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Lamotrigine
- Anxiolytics
- Opioid antagonists
These medications are effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. It also prevents self-harm and suicide. However, medication is only a complementary treatment. Patients need to remember that psychotherapy has always been the main method for misperception disorder.
In fact, most cases of false perception disorder can be relieved after therapeutic intervention. Therefore, the patient should soon seek the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist for timely treatment. This helps avoid the risk of the disease becoming chronic or leading to serious complications.