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Dissociative Disorder Case Studies

Decent Essays

• DEFINITION-
(DPD) Also called depersonalization-derealization syndrome is a dissociative disorder in which the client has feelings of depersonalization or derealization this alteration of reality can be either in self or in their surroundings. It can be constant or intermittent. Some people with DPD have described it as feeling “detached from their body”, or “senseless, emotionless”, “preforming life on autopilot”.

• POSSIBLE CAUSE-
According to Cleveland Clinic- o Biological and environmental factors o People with less show of emotions o PTSD, from trauma such as natural disaster, abuse, etc.

• RISK FACTORS-
According to Mayo Clinic- o Personality traits that cause pt. to avoid difficult emotions o Victim of or observed trauma, …show more content…

o Anxiety is common with this disorder o May develop other psychotic disorders because of DPD

• TREATMENT-
According to Merck Manual
 Therapy-
Behavioral therapy- distraction from DPD
Cognitive behavioral therapy- blocks sensations of fake reality
Grounding techniques- uses 5 senses to connect the pt to their mind, body, and place
 Medication-
*anti-anxiety may worsen DPD, use with careful observation
Classification Name
Benzodiazepines Buspirone alprazolam (Xanax, Xanax XR) clobazam (Onfi) clonazepam (Klonopin) clorazepate (Tranxene, Tranxene SD) chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium, Diastat Acudial, Diastat), Ativan
Atypical Antidepressants Trazodone mirtazapine (Remeron) vortioxetine (Brintellix) vilazodone (Viibryd)
Anti-psychotics olanzapine (Zyprexa), risperidone (Risperdal), quetiapine (Seroquel), aripiprazole (Abilify), ziprasidone (Geodon), lurasidone (Latuda) or asenapine (Saphris)

• GOALS OF …show more content…

Observe patients behaviors. Rational- they may not seem disoriented in behavior but may internalize and project it when no one is watching because they are confused about what is happening to their body.
5. Practice grounding techniques with the patient. Rational- to reorient them and so they can reorient themselves when they need it and no one is there to assist. Grab a chair, cold water, undressing and redressing, brushing their hair, looking in the mirror, etc.
6. Provide hands-on distractions for the patient. Rational- DPD is less likely to occur when the patient is interacting with real objects and can feel them.
7. Encourage the patient to participate in group talk therapy. Rational- other people may have similar disorders and may be able to share techniques they use to reorient themselves.
8. Encourage family to visit as much as possible and bring personal items from home for the patient to have. Rational- change of environment may precipitate DPD, by having familiar company and items they can ground themselves to treatment reality.

• PROGNOSIS-
Symptoms usually subside after treatment for underlying stressor such as abuse or accident; these people usually make 100% recovery. If the underlying cause is not addressed, there is high chance of reoccurring or worsening

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