title: [Depersonalization--current data].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Depersonalization is a fascinating clinical phenomenon referring to a self-consciousness disorder, characterized by emotional detachment from one's own feelings, thoughts, or actions. This article intends to summarize the current literature in this area.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using the Medline data base, we reviewed literature addressing the clinical, etiology, nosology, physiopathology, and treatment of depersonalization.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Derealization means that perception of the world and of external reality are altered. These 2 phenomena are often associated. They are not specific to any psychiatric entity and are reported in many different psychiatric syndromes. Many factors, including use of different substances, are involved in their onset. The physiopathology is still little known. However, some conceptual models suggest partial amygdala inhibition combined with activation of other amygdaloid structures. A serotoninergic functioning impairment is indicated in different pharmacologic studies. Different psychotropic drugs, especially serotoninergic antidepressants, have been proposed for pharmacotherapy; however, there are no conclusive randomized studies, and the contribution of psychotherapy in treating these patients is still questioned.
authors.affiliation: Département Universitaire de Psychiatrie Adulte, Hôpital de Cery, Prilly-Lausanne. Yasser.Khazaal@hospvd.ch
authors.forename: Yasser
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Khazaal
authors.forename: Grégoire
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zimmermann
authors.forename: Daniele Fabio
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Zullino
mesh_terms: D000679:Amygdala / Q000503:physiopathology; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001364:Awareness / Q000502:physiology; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003861:Depersonalization / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D012929:Psychological Distance; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012938:Social Perception
chemical_list: D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D012701:Serotonin; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors