HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Can Anxiety Cause Depersonalization?

Posted on Wed, 23 Nov 2016

Question: I was wondering why it seems everytime I am alone by myself for hours, the more detached from reality and people I feel? It's so scary... It feels like everytime I am at home by myself for a whole day, that when my family comes back home, it feels like I don't know them that well and I feel detached from them and even feel weird seeing myself talk.. Like it's another person inside me.. Like depersonalization I think is what you call it.. The main thing I fear is the feeling of like I've lost touch with reality.. Like people and life seems unreal as if I know all about life and people.. I act just fine.. But my mind makes me feel like losing myself.. And with reality... I've had this now for 5 month's.. And just want to feel like my cool calm and relaxed self again.. And not feel like I'm losing touch with life and family.. . And having unwanted thoughts patterns of harm and it scares me because I don want to think those thoughts at allll.. I function normal but under a lot of confusion and distress because I'm trying to act normal as possible when I don't feel connected with people or with reality at times.. I've had this about 5 months now.. I'm 23 year old Male who stays at home a lot but play a lot of music events..

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

What you are describing is indeed called depersonalization. This is a symptom of an anxiety disorder. I recommend treatment with an SSRI antidepressant such as Lexapro, which is the gold standard treatment for depersonalization and anxiety. Seek out a psychiatrist in your area whom you can consult to consider starting this medication. In 4-6 weeks, I would expect your symptoms to be much improved!

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (12 minutes later)

OK thank you so much!

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
You are very welcome!

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D