Personality derealization syndrome: what to do, how to cure with pills

A condition that develops as an independent syndrome against the background of acute or prolonged stress, occurs suddenly and plunges a person, at a minimum, into confusion. What to do with derealization? Naturally, we are not talking about a condition that lasted for several minutes, but about regular attacks or a persistent disorder, that is, about pathology.

Much depends on the severity of the disorder and the mental state. There are cases when the syndrome went away on its own, however, you shouldn't count on it. Nevertheless, there are many recommendations from psychologists and people who have experienced a similar condition on how to get rid of derealization on your own.

If the patient feels strong enough, he can try to regain his connection with reality. It is not worth delaying and thinking about the process for a long time, it is necessary to start correcting his lifestyle.

First of all, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks are excluded from the diet - coffee, strong tea, Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, energy drinks.

If the symptoms of derealization were preceded by a course of therapy with drugs that can cause such a side effect, or you continue to take drugs at present, you should consult with your doctor. Perhaps a change in drug will relieve you of the painful condition.

If you are self-medicating (many drugs that can provoke derealization are sold without a prescription), then it is also worth analyzing the situation and switching to alternative treatment (folk remedies, homeopathy).

You can increase the duration of sleep by optimizing your daily routine. However, it is worth considering that oversleeping is just as harmful as undersleeping. Therefore, you need to decide how much time you need to sleep to feel good.

In addition, it is recommended not to dwell on your feelings, accept them, stop being afraid and inventing non-existent illnesses. You need to develop an attitude towards your condition as symptoms of side effects from medications, overwork, increased anxiety. It is very important to replace terrible negative obsessive thoughts about mental illness with positive ones, to admit that symptoms exist and you need to live with them. Do not withdraw into yourself, into your experiences, but try to live a full life, try to revive your feelings, notice colors, sounds, smells, listen to your interlocutor, catch his intonations, fulfill your duties towards loved ones. Do what you like more often, do not put anything off for later, and perhaps you will be able to break out of the vicious circle of escaping reality.

It is also recommended to communicate with people who are experiencing or have overcome the disorder, for example, on forums, listen to their advice, share your feelings, just talk it out.

If you can't do it yourself, you need to contact professionals. They will help you with advice and teach you how to combat the disease. Treatment of derealization without pills is carried out using various psychotherapeutic methods. It is aimed at interrupting the action of stress factors that were either present at the time of the onset of symptoms of the disorder, or arose earlier (negative childhood impressions) and could have caused it.

For different categories of patients, psychotherapy methods are selected individually.

For example, cognitive behavioral therapy, based on the assertion that an individual's emotions, feelings, and behavior patterns are determined not by circumstances but by how they perceive them, helps block obsessive thoughts about the unreality of what is happening. Techniques are used to identify and transform unconstructive life strategies with flexible, rational thinking, and to help patients perform tasks that distract them from depersonalization and derealization.

Sensory techniques, through the impact on human senses (for example, hearing, vision, tactility), help patients restore self-perception and/or perception of the outside world, to feel its reality.

Psychoanalysis (psychodynamic treatment) helps to solve problems related to the dynamic aspects of the patient’s psyche: motivation, drives that motivate action, as well as to resolve internal contradictions and increase the threshold of stress resistance.

Hypnosis sessions and autogenic training are also used. In mild cases of derealization, such treatment is sufficient. Vitamin preparations and mild psychostimulants may be prescribed.

If treatment without the use of drugs is not successful, then drugs of different groups are used. Drug therapy is carried out only under the supervision of a doctor, who, if necessary, makes adjustments to the treatment regimen or drug dosage.

There is no single drug treatment regimen for depersonalization/derealization syndrome. In general, the effectiveness of drug therapy has not been definitively proven, but some patients are helped by serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, opioid receptor antagonists, tranquilizers and psychostimulants, and nootropic drugs. The action of these drugs can be effective, since it eliminates the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other disorders that provoked the development of derealization symptoms.

The most popular drug prescribed to patients with depersonalization/derealization syndrome is the anticonvulsant Lamictal (with the active ingredient Lamotrigine). This drug is prescribed to epileptics and people prone to seizures of other etiologies, however, in the treatment of this syndrome, it often has a rapid positive effect. It is believed that Lamictal has a less pronounced negative effect on memory, attention and other cognitive functions, like other anticonvulsants. However, like other drugs for epilepsy, it blocks nerve impulses that trigger the release of glutamate - an aliphatic amino acid, the excess of which leads to seizures. The glutamate system plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of not only epilepsy, its effect on the development of schizophrenia and depression is being studied, as well as NMDA receptor hypofunction, which is one of the causes of disturbances in dopaminergic transmission. This may be why the drug has proven so effective in treating cases of depersonalization and derealization.

Another antiepileptic drug, Carbamazepine, is also sometimes used to treat the syndrome. It has a more pronounced anticonvulsant effect, and can also be used for hyperkinesis. Like the previous drug, in addition to stopping seizures, it enhances the effect of antidepressants and stimulates the functions of neurotransmitters responsible for improving mood, relaxation, and productive activity - dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine.

Usually prescribed in combination with antidepressants from the serotonin reuptake group, increasing its concentration in the synapse. Since serotonin deficiency is assumed in the pathogenesis of derealization, and in the clinical picture there are almost always symptoms of depression.

The drugs are usually used in low doses; the dosage and treatment regimen for each patient is selected by the doctor.

However, such treatment is not always effective, so other medications are also used.

Eglonil for derealization is prescribed in cases where its cause is an increased level of anxiety. The active ingredient of this drug is sulpiride. It excites dopamine receptors, increases its synthesis and prevents biodegradation. The drug is also prescribed in the minimum effective dose.

The benzodiazepine tranquilizer Phenazepam may be prescribed. Its action also suppresses anxiety, relaxes muscles, thereby reducing the likelihood of convulsions, and also ensures rapid falling asleep and a full night's rest. It enhances the effect of other sedatives and anticonvulsants, as well as ethyl alcohol. When taking it, you should refrain from work that may be dangerous with reduced concentration.

Fluanksol is a neuroleptic whose active ingredient is a thioxanthene derivative (flupentixol). Reduces anxiety, improves mood, and promotes adaptation processes. Like all drugs in this group, it has a long list of contraindications and side effects, but in some cases of derealization it is effective. It is incompatible with alcohol, barbiturates, opiates, other neuroleptics, and other drugs.

Glycine is the “safest” of all the listed drugs. It is used for various reasons that lead to a decrease in the brain’s performance. Various conditions – neuroses, vegetative-vascular dystonia, use of toxic substances (alcohol, drugs), mental pathologies. The simplest aliphatic amino acid, which is glycine, performs the functions of a neurotransmitter in the body, regulating metabolic processes, as well as the activity of glutamate receptors. Relieves nervous tension, improves memory and concentration, improves mood, normalizes the process of falling asleep and the quality of sleep

Glycine can be used as a monodrug and in complex therapy, enhancing the effects of central system inhibition and reducing the toxicity of anticonvulsants, neuroleptics and antidepressants. There are no contraindications to Glycine, except for hypersensitivity. Allergic reactions are not excluded.

Medication therapy must necessarily be combined with psychotherapeutic assistance. Adequate therapeutic tactics will help to quickly cope with derealization, the danger of which should not be underestimated.

How to treat derealization at home?

Considering that the appearance of the phenomenon of derealization is preceded by severe or chronic stress, increased anxiety, and its companions are a depressed state and depression, you can use folk remedies. There are many plants that have the ability to calm the nervous system, stimulate metabolic processes in the brain, and activate cognitive functions. They may well be a worthy alternative to pharmacological drugs, however, it is worth noting that the use of folk treatment is not always combined with medication, so it is recommended to consult with your doctor in advance. It is also a good idea to consult a professional herbalist.

Pillows with aromatic dried herbs – myrtle flowers and leaves, juniper, lemon balm, lavender – can help speed up the process of falling asleep and improve the quality of sleep.

Warm baths with pine decoction, poplar leaf infusion, a few spoons of honey, and essential oils have a relaxing and mild sedative effect. Add ten drops of the latter. Lavender, lemon balm, sage, lemon, and juniper oils are suitable for such baths. The duration of the treatment is a quarter of an hour, the water temperature in the bath is 37-38℃.

These same essential oils can be sprayed indoors; their aroma normalizes the state of the nervous system.

Traditional treatment of neurosis-like disorders is carried out depending on which processes predominate in the clinical picture.

For irritable and excitable patients, decoctions and infusions of medicinal plants with a predominantly calming and mild hypnotic effect are prepared. These are valerian, motherwort, fireweed, oregano, peony, linden, lemon balm, passionflower.

Additionally, natural vitamin complexes are recommended, which include sprouted grains of wheat, oats, barley, sea buckthorn, rowan, rose hips, and chokeberries.

In all cases, it is good to take a course of decoctions of herbs that have a general strengthening effect - plantain, nettle, dandelion, birch buds, sage.

The following will help strengthen the autonomic nervous system: hawthorn, chamomile, and wild pansy.

Herbal preparations based on eleutherococcus, ginseng, rose rhodiola, Chinese magnolia vine, rosemary, and zamaniha can have a tonic effect on depressed, inhibited patients. These plants help overcome loss of strength and restore the body's energy balance. However, if the patient suffers from insomnia, high blood pressure, or serious cardiovascular pathologies, it is undesirable to use these herbs.

Herbal treatment does not take much time. For example, in the morning, instead of tea, you can prepare the following drink, which will give you energy and strength. In the evening, pour one teaspoon of fine-grained dry herbs into a liter thermos: yarrow, catnip, thyme, St. John's wort. Add the same amount of Chinese magnolia vine berries to the herbal mixture. Pour boiling water over it at night. Strain in the morning and drink half a glass warm twice - when you wake up and at lunchtime. It is better not to drink the invigorating drink at night.

In the evening, it is good to brew Ivan-tea (fireweed). It has sedative properties, eliminates nervous tension, headaches and suppresses excitement. This herb is also a natural nootropic, has anticonvulsant and antitumor effects.

You can brew herbal mixtures that have not only a sedative but also a general strengthening effect. For example, put a pinch of dried fireweed, blueberry leaves, currants, strawberries, raspberries and lingonberries, mint and wild pansy in a teapot, pour boiling water over it, and leave for 45 minutes.

Or: three pinches of fireweed, two pinches of chamomile and meadowsweet flowers, hop cones, oregano, nettle, mint, calamus root powder, one each of dill and blueweed seeds. Brew as in the previous recipe.

You can drink a glass three times a day: in the morning and afternoon - an hour before meals, in the evening - an hour before bedtime, the following infusion of herbal mixture: take 10 g of medicinal chamomile and calendula, 30 g of juniper berries, 25 g of valerian root, mix. One tablespoon of plant material is poured with 500 ml of boiling water, infused for two hours and filtered.

When treating with herbs, it should be taken into account that chicory root, hawthorn and passionflower fruits, in addition to the calming effect, have a beneficial effect on the heart and blood vessels, and have a mild hypotensive effect. Juniper and wormwood not only calm, but also restore elasticity to the walls of blood vessels, activate blood flow in the cerebral and peripheral arteries. Chamomile and immortelle relieve symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia.

Herbal treatment can be perfectly combined with various psychotherapeutic practices and auto-training, designed to distract the patient from subjective sensations and focus his attention on more productive actions.

Homeopathy

Psychotropic pharmacological drugs can be replaced with homeopathic ones, which do not have such impressive side effects. Allergic reactions are unlikely, but not excluded. Naturally, for successful treatment you need to see a professional. Derealization is treated with very different drugs, which the doctor will select based on the causes of this disorder, the patient's current feelings, his preferences, constitution and character traits.

In homeopathy, Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is used for symptoms such as confusion of thoughts, consciousness, fears, illusions, and disturbances of perception. It is prescribed to epileptics, for anxiety disorders, neurasthenia, and increased excitability, if the patient feels as if he or she is in a dream, seems to be a different person, for those prone to panic attacks, headaches, and nervous tics. This is the main remedy used to treat depersonalization/derealization syndrome.

Silver nitrate (Argentum nitricum), American hellebore (Sabadilla) is used to treat patients with somatopsychic depersonalization. It is prescribed to people who feel that parts of their body are deformed or missing, have dried up. In case of refusal to eat, melancholy, melancholy, depression.

Veratrum album is a constitutional remedy for perfectionists, Cimicifuga is prescribed for patients who fear going mad, with suicidal tendencies, other remedies may be prescribed.

From complex homeopathic preparations, the following may be prescribed: Valeriana-heel, Engystol, Nervo-heel, Cerebrum compositum.

Valerian-heel drops, which relieve excitement, calm and facilitate sleep, contain eight components, including:

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) – used for anxiety disorders, neurasthenia and increased excitability, if the patient feels as if he is in a dream, seems to be a different person, for panic attacks, headaches, nervous tics;

Picric acid (Acidum picrinicum) – relieves the effects of mental and nervous fatigue;

St. John's wort (Hyperiсum perforatum) is the main homeopathic antidepressant;

Common hops (Humulus lupulus) – used for clouded consciousness with preserved mental functions;

Hawthorn (Crataegus) – improves blood circulation in the cerebral vessels, soothes;

Melissa officinalis – neuroses and neurasthenia, as an immunostimulant;

Oats (Avena sativa) – nootropic action;

Chamomile (Chamomilla reсutita) – sedative effect;

Ammonium bromide (Ammonium bromatum) is a remedy for meticulous, pedantic, idealistic neurasthenics, an antidepressant;

Potassium bromide (Kalium bromatum) – fear of mental disorder, paresthesia, anxiety, overexcitement, convulsions;

Sodium bromide (Natrium bromatum) – loss of strength.

Prescribed to children from the age of two, five drops diluted in 100 ml of water, upon reaching the age of six, ten drops are dripped into water per dose, from the age of twelve - an adult dose of 15 drops, at night it can be increased to 20 drops. The frequency of administration is three times a day, half an hour after it you can eat. If desired, you can take the required dose 60 minutes after eating.

The medicine Engystol, produced in tablets and ampoules, is better known as a remedy for the treatment of viral infections, and can also be used in cases of behavioral and perceptual disorders. It contains two ingredients: Vincetoxicum hirundinaria in three homeopathic dilutions, used to treat cardiac pathologies and stimulate immunity, and two dilutions of Sulfur, used for psychoneurological disorders and depression, loss of strength.

The tablet form is used sublingually. A single dose for patients over twelve years of age is a whole tablet.

For younger children, prepare a solution of one well-crushed tablet in four tablespoons of water.

Infants are given one teaspoon of solution per dose, 1-5 years old – two, 6-11 years old – three.

The scheme for relieving acute conditions is as follows: take a single dose with a fifteen-minute break, but no more than eight times in a row, then every eight hours half an hour before meals or an hour after.

There is also an injection form of the drug. Injections in acute conditions are given daily (no more than five times), then they switch to a regimen from once every two or three days to once a week.

Nervo-heel tablets can help a patient with depersonalization/derealization syndrome. The complex includes:

Scabies nosode (Psorinum-Nosode), St. Ignatius beans (Ignatia), substance from the ink bag of cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) - homeopathic antidepressants, also used in the treatment of schizophrenia, epilepsy and other mental pathologies;

Phosphoric acid (Acidum phosphoricum) – used for symptoms of mental exhaustion, emotional shock, memory loss, suicide attempts;

Potassium bromide (Kalium bromatum) – fear of mental disorder, paresthesia, anxiety, overexcitement, convulsions;

Valerian-zinc salt (Zincum isovalerianicum) – insomnia, convulsions, other manifestations of dysfunction of the nervous system.

From the age of three, it is used sublingually, one whole tablet at a time, the scheme for relieving acute conditions is: taking a single dose at fifteen-minute intervals, but no more than eight times in a row, then every eight hours half an hour before meals or an hour after them.

For children under three years of age, the tablet is divided in half for one dose.

A homeopathic composition of 26 components - Cerebrum compositum has a regulatory effect on metabolic processes occurring in the central nervous system, is prescribed for exhaustion of the nervous system, depression, vegetative-vascular and neurocirculatory dystonia, various neurotic conditions. Injections are prescribed with a frequency of one to three ampoules per week, can be used as a drinking solution. For this purpose, one ampoule is dissolved in ¼ glass of water and drunk in equal parts at equal intervals throughout the day.

Alternative to psychotherapy

At home, or more precisely on your own, you can do any kind of training. The main thing is to distract yourself from your feelings, get out of your "shell" and reorient yourself. People who have gone through derealization recommend: the main thing is to accept your state and the idea that you can live and perform the necessary actions in a flat world. You don't need to try to get hung up on getting rid of your state as quickly as possible, otherwise the problems will snowball.

Those who prefer extreme sports can try winter swimming or rock climbing. However, any kind of sport will do - swimming, running, Nordic walking. During dynamic sports, the human body produces endogenous antidepressants.

Yoga of any kind can help well, although hatha yoga is very common in our area. During yoga classes, even the most dynamic kind, the human psyche comes to a meditatively calm state. Breathing is of great importance in all types of yoga, and by concentrating on doing exercises, correct posture, inhaling and exhaling, you involuntarily begin to meditate.

One of the most meditative types of yoga - Kundalini is suitable even for the weakest and most untrained people. The exercises in this method are quite simple, mantras (sacred texts) are mandatory, which begin and end the classes. Meditation in derealization is very useful, even inveterate nihilists, starting to seriously practice, fall into the captivity of the "silence of the mind".

Yoga Nidra or sleep yoga is a practice of total relaxation of every tiny part of the body, controlled by the mind while maintaining consciousness. It can be done by the weakest and even bedridden patients. Learning to relax correctly and completely is not that easy. This practice completely takes over the mind and can quickly help to break out of the state of derealization.

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