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Depersonalisation disorder: clinical features of 204 cases

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 22:10 authored by Dawn Baker, Elaine Hunter, Nicholas Medford, Emma Lawrence, Maxine Patel, Carl Senior, Mauricio Sierra, Michelle V Lambert, Mary L Phillips, Anthony S David
Background Depersonalisation disorder is a poorly understood and under researched syndrome. Aims To carryout a large and comprehensive clinical and psychopathological survey of a series of patients who made contact with a research clinic. Method A total of 204 consecutive eligible referralswereincluded:124 had a fullpsychiatric examinationusingitems of the Present State Examinationto define depersonalisation/derealisation and 80 had either a telephoneinterview(n¼22) or filled out a numberof self-report questionnaires.Cases assessedwere diagnosed according to DSM^IV criteria. Results The meanage of onsetwas 22.8 years; early onset was associated with greater severity.Therewas a slightmale preponderance.The disorder tendedto be chronic andpersistent.Seventy-one percentmetDSM^IVcriteria forprimary depersonalisation disorder. Depersonalisation symptomscores correlatedwith both anxietyand depression and a pasthistoryofthese disorders was commonly reported. ‘Dissociative amnesia’was not prominent. Conclusions Depersonalisation disorder is a recognisable clinical entity but appears to have significant comorbidity with anxiety and depression.Researchinto its aetiology and treatment is warranted.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

British Journal of Psychiatry

ISSN

0007-1250

Publisher

Royal College of Psychiatrists

Issue

5

Volume

182

Page range

428-433

Department affiliated with

  • BSMS Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2015-08-20

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2015-08-20

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