Depersonalization is a dissociative disorder, causing alteration in the perception or experience of the self and a detachment from reality. This is a fascinating and clinically relevant phenomenon neglected within psychiatry. Far from being a rare condition, it can be as prevalent as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and frequently occurs in association with other neuropsychiatric conditions. This 2009 book is a review of depersonalization, dealing with the subject from a wide range of perspectives and covering historical, conceptual, clinical, trans-cultural, pharmacological and neurobiological factors. It discusses recent neuroimaging studies providing fresh insights into the condition and opening up new opportunities to manage the symptoms with pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions. It will be relevant to psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, as well as primary care practitioners, neurologists and psychiatric nurses.
• Provides comprehensive coverage of depersonalization • Reviews in detail the association of depersonalization with other psychiatric and neurological conditions for differential diagnosis • Includes the Cambridge Depersonalization scale for diagnosis
Contents
Contents; Introduction; 1. A conceptual history of depersonalization; 2. The symptoms of depersonalization: a descriptive psychopathology; 3. The depersonalization spectrum: clinical and epidemiological aspects; 4. 'Drug induced' depersonalization disorder; 5. Psychiatric comorbidity of depersonalization; 6. Depersonalization in neurology; 7. Transcultural aspects of depersonalization; 8. Pharmacological approaches to the treatment of depersonalization disorder; 9. Psychological approaches to the treatment of depersonalization disorder; 10. The neurobiology of depersonalization: psychophysiological and neuroimaging findings; 11. Pulling the threads together: towards a neurobiological understanding of depersonalization; Index.
Reviews
Review of the hardback: '… concise and comprehensive …' Mental Health Today
Review of the hardback: 'Mauricio Sierra's wonderfully concise and rounded new book is a very welcome addition to this new literature … In eleven chapters, all very engaging to read … a 'must read' for professionals at all levels of training who want and need to better understand chronic depersonaliztion in its own right.' Psychological Medicine
Review of the hardback: '… contains much to interest and educate all who contend with the condition, whether as patient or therapist.' The British Journal of Psychiatry
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