Risk factors
While anyone can develop depersonalization disorder, you're at increased risk if:
- You've been involved in or witnessed a traumatic or life-threatening experience, such as an automobile accident.
- You're in your mid- to late teens or early adulthood. Depersonalization disorder is rare in children and older adults.
- You have panic disorder, depression, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or multiple personality disorder.
References
- Depersonalization disorder. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed May 2, 2011.
- Simeon D. Depersonalization disorder: A contemporary overview. CNS Drugs. 2004;18:343.
- Hunter ECM, et al. The epidemiology of depersonalization and derealisation. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology. 2004;39:9.
- Kihlstrom J, et al. Dissociative disorders. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology. 2005;1:227.


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