Depersonalisation disorder: clinical features of 204 cases.
BACKGROUND
Depersonalisation disorder is a poorly understood and underresearched syndrome.


OBJECTIVE
To carry out a large and comprehensive clinical and psychopathological survey of a series of patients who made contact with a research clinic.


METHODS
A total of 204 consecutive eligible referrals were included: 124 had a full psychiatric examination using items of the Present State Examination to define depersonalisation/derealisation and 80 had either a telephone interview (n=22) or filled out a number of self-report questionnaires. Cases assessed were diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria.


RESULTS
The mean age of onset was 22.8 years; early onset was associated with greater severity. There was a slight male preponderance. The disorder tended to be chronic and persistent. Seventy-one per cent met DSM-IV criteria for primary depersonalisation disorder. Depersonalisation symptom scores correlated with both anxiety and depression and a past history of these 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. Research into its aetiology and treatment is warranted.
Baker
Dawn
D
Hartside Unit, St Nicholas Hospital, Gosforth, Newcastle NE3 3XT, London.
Hunter
Elaine
E
Lawrence
Emma
E
Medford
Nicholas
N
Patel
Maxine
M
Senior
Carl
C
Sierra
Mauricio
M
Lambert
Michelle V
MV
Phillips
Mary L
ML
David
Anthony S
AS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001007:Anxiety / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015897:Comorbidity; D003861:Depersonalization / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors