
Feeling Unreal
Depersonalization and the Loss of the Self
Oxford University Press Inc
2nd Edition
Published on 22. June 2023
Book
Paperback/Softback
292 pages
978-0-19-762244-5 (ISBN)
Description
Feelings of depersonalization-derealization, or a sense of detachment from one's normal sense of self, are not uncommon. People often describe being outside of themselves, or watching themselves as if in a movie, during "unreal" circumstances such as a car crash or other trauma. This is the mind's normal dissociative reaction at work. This protective system can go awry, however, and can be triggered by ongoing, lower-level stresses, childhood neglect, or certain drugs. Despite its prevalence, depersonalization is often misunderstood and is understudied compared to other conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
First published in 2006, Feeling Unreal, Depersonalization Disorder and the Loss of the Self was the first book of its kind to delve into the mysterious phenomenon of Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder (DDD). This fully revised and updated edition describes extensive new findings on the origins of DDD, the brain science supporting the diagnosis, and cutting-edge treatment approaches. DDD is examined from medical and psychiatric perspectives, but as the authors reveal, it also emerges in literary, philosophical and spiritual investigations. Feeling Unreal thoroughly explores these different aspects in a fascinating and essential resource that is clear and accessible to medical professionals and general readers alike. Physicians, mental health professionals, families, and those who have experienced DDD themselves will find with this book trustworthy and cutting-edge information on DDD, on its history and treatment, and on its place in literature and philosophy as well as in contemporary society.
First published in 2006, Feeling Unreal, Depersonalization Disorder and the Loss of the Self was the first book of its kind to delve into the mysterious phenomenon of Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder (DDD). This fully revised and updated edition describes extensive new findings on the origins of DDD, the brain science supporting the diagnosis, and cutting-edge treatment approaches. DDD is examined from medical and psychiatric perspectives, but as the authors reveal, it also emerges in literary, philosophical and spiritual investigations. Feeling Unreal thoroughly explores these different aspects in a fascinating and essential resource that is clear and accessible to medical professionals and general readers alike. Physicians, mental health professionals, families, and those who have experienced DDD themselves will find with this book trustworthy and cutting-edge information on DDD, on its history and treatment, and on its place in literature and philosophy as well as in contemporary society.
More details
Edition
2nd Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Edition type
Revised edition
Dimensions
Height: 233 mm
Width: 154 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
400 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-762244-5 (9780197622445)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
02/2023
2nd Edition
OUP eBook
€9.99
Available for download

E-Book
02/2023
2nd Edition
OUP eBook
€9.99
Available for download
Persons
Daphne Simeon M.D. has practiced psychiatry for over 30 years. Internationally recognized as a leading expert in depersonalization, she has published extensively in the field and is a contributor to the DSM-5 and DSM-5-TR. She has evaluated and treated many people with the disorder in research protocols and in clinical practice.
Jeffrey Abugel has been an editor and writer for more than 30 years, researching depersonalization and its relationship to philosophy and literature since experiencing it firsthand for more than a decade. He is a member of the American Medical Writers' Association and founder of the nonprofit Inititative for Depersonalization Studies.
Jeffrey Abugel has been an editor and writer for more than 30 years, researching depersonalization and its relationship to philosophy and literature since experiencing it firsthand for more than a decade. He is a member of the American Medical Writers' Association and founder of the nonprofit Inititative for Depersonalization Studies.
Author
Associate Clinical ProfessorAssociate Clinical Professor, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
FounderFounder, Initiative for Depersonalization Studies
Content
1. Strangers to Ourselves 2. The Path of Understanding: A Historical Exploration 3. Symptoms and Scales 4. Making the Diagnosis 5. Differential Diagnosis 6. Refining the Diagnosis 7. Trauma, Attachment, Emotion, and Cognition 8. Neurobiology 9. The Blow of the Void & The Spiritual 10. Somatic Treatments 11. What to Expect When Starting Pschotherapy 12. Cognitive, Behavioral, and Mindfulness Interventions 13. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy 14. Digital Depersonalization FOOTNOTES