derealization
Pronunciation: dee-ree-al-i-ZAY-shun
Altered perception where surroundings seem unreal, dreamlike, or detached from reality.
Full Definition
A dissociative symptom characterized by feelings that the external world is unreal, dreamlike, foggy, lifeless, or visually distorted. Individuals experiencing derealization may describe their environment as seeming artificial, like a movie or dream, or having a glass wall between them and their surroundings. Unlike depersonalization, which involves feeling detached from oneself, derealization specifically affects perception of the external environment. This symptom can occur in various psychiatric conditions including depersonalization-derealization disorder, panic disorder, PTSD, and dissociative disorders. Episodes can be brief or persistent and often cause significant distress and functional impairment.
Usage
Usage note: Carefully distinguish from depersonalization (feeling detached from self) and hallucinations (false perceptions).
In Context
- "The patient reported episodes of derealization where familiar places seemed foreign and unreal." — Clinical interview documentation
- "Derealization symptoms peaked during panic attacks but persisted between episodes." — Symptom tracking report