Panic disorder is a psychiatric condition that causes recurring panic attacks—episodes characterized by a cluster of disturbing physical and psychological symptoms. Typical symptoms during a panic attack a person include shortness of breath, shaking…
Panic disorder is a psychiatric condition that causes recurring panic attacks—episodes characterized by a cluster of disturbing physical and psychological symptoms. Typical symptoms during a panic attack a person include shortness of breath, shaking, and chest pain that can cause someone to fear they're having a heart attack.
The mental and emotional symptoms that accompany these bodily sensations can be equally frightening. Many people who have panic attacks describe feeling as if they're going insane, losing control, even dying.
Two very specific psychiatric symptoms that often occur during panic attacks are depersonalization and derealization. Although they're somewhat similar and may occur together, they are separate and distinct symptoms. Here's a look at each.
Depersonalization
The hallmark of depersonalization is the sensation of being detached from your body—as if you're no longer inhabiting your physical self but rather observing it from a distance. You may feel as if you have no control over your actions. This terrifying feeling often is accompanied by thoughts and fears of losing touch with reality or losing control over yourself.
Depersonalization can cause frightening physical sensations such as numbness or tingling. It also can be a symptom of another mental illness, such as depression; a result of drug abuse; and a side effect of anti-anxiety medications.
Derealization
Derealization involves feeling detached from your surroundings. You may feel disconnected from external objects in your immediate environment, including other people. Even your closest family members or friends may seem like strangers.
Often people describe derealization as feeling spaced out or foggy. People and objects in the environment may begin to seem unreal, distorted, or cartoon-like. Others report feeling trapped by their environment or viewing their surroundings as surreal and unfamiliar. It could feel as if you're in a strange country or on another planet.
What Yo..
