Lots of people have certain moments where they feel out of touch with reality. These kind of feelings happen during times of grief, stress, or lack of sleep. Although, when feelings like these begin to interfere with a person's daily functions and continue for long periods of time, the person might be suffering from a mental disorder called depersonalization disorder.

Those who suffer from depersonalization disorder, often feel as if they are not in the real world. They usually feel as if they are going through the motions. In bad cases, they may feel like they are watching their life slip away like in a movie or a play. Other symptoms are absence of emotion and feeling, lack of thoughts, and loss of taste. The person can also feel like their voice sounds very far away.

Though the main cause of depersonalization disorder is not known, it has been linked with childhood abuse and emotional or sexual abuse. Depersonalization disorder has also been known to be linked to cases where extremely stressful situations, accidents, and physical trauma have happened.

Depersonalization treatment in the past, has revolved only around medication. Benzodiazepine, naloxene, and certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, have shown some positive signs in being able to cure this disorder. Although, no medicine has been able to control the disorder's symptoms where the person is able to function normally.

Currently, new treatments are being researched that may offer depersonalization help without the use of medications. Increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables in the patient's diet, while decreasing the amount of red meat and high fat dairy products has shown some promising benefits to depersonalization sufferers. Daily exercise also seems to benefit patients. Perhaps, the most promising therapy has been behavioral therapy where the patient learns to associate the feelings of dissociation with negative thought patterns.

It can take a toll on the patient and their families involved for those who are suffering from the mental disorder. Since the disorder often happens along with other mental disorders like bi-polar disorder and depression, the mental and emotional pain can seem insurmountable and overwhelming. Although, with new treatments that don't include medications that hold a considerable promise, depersonalization patients and their families can see into the future with a new promise.