Depersonalization disorder

[Citizen T]

I would like to know if Depersonalization disorder is a real and distinct disorder?   I see thousands of articles online about it, and active discussion forums about it.     I believe I have it because I have severe chronic symptoms of derealization,  the symptoms I have are exactly as the disease is described....but I keep getting diagnosed with everything BUT this disorder....panic disorder, depression, even schizoaffective disorder.   No one ever wants to talk about depersonalization or derealization disorder or even seems to know anything about it.    How can I talk to my psychiatrist about it,  or if he doesn't 'know' about it already is there any hope?

[UCFguy]

I know that it should only take about a month, maybe two months at tops. If it has been 4 months, you may need to be on a different medication or a higher dose. I already see the cymbalta working drastically for me and I have been on it a week. Given I have been on other medicines before, you should see a big change in behavior.

Derealization leaves with the anxiety, but the anxiety can still be there without the derealization. Counseling with help with this issue very much. If you notice, when you arent paying much attention to the derealization you feel real. The second you think back to it, WHAM!! You feel like you are about to pass out or as if you don't even exist... like youre just floating through a lucid dream. Counseling will teach you how to not go back to questioning if every sensation you are feeling is real or not. I started counseling today and found the right medication last week. I am feeling so much better. Coming from someone who couldnt leave his room for awhile this says a lot.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

your psychiatrist certainly does know about this disorder.  Personally I believe that labeling your symptoms in this way is not useful.  When you have a depersonalization experience you are actually having a massive amount of anxiety.  The way to treat it is to treat the underlying anxiety.  That's what you and your doctor can and should talk about.

[Jaquta]

If your psychiatrist doesn't know about it and doesn't know how to treat it I would see a different doctor -preferably one who does know.
Be assertive and communicate openly and honestly.

It could be that the doctor believes the depersonalization is part of or due to another condition.  In that case it would be inappropriate to offer the diagnosis.

There are many subjects in mental health that are taboo with not too many health professionals willing to have discussions about them.

The doctor keeps highlighting the importance of working on symptoms.

I think the best thing you could do would be to gain access to good psychotherapy.  Forget the diagnoses and work with the symptoms.  If your doctor is useless then get another one.  Make sure it is not because they are telling you things you don't like though.  That could be a sign of a good but insensitive doctor.

I'm sorry the doctor overlooked your last post.