Depersonalization & TMS

In a small and limited study published in Psychiatry Research in 2016, which became available online on April 13th, 2016 there is some indication that Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment can be helpful for Depersonalization Disorder. Depersonalization/derealization is described as a "disruption or discontinuity in the normal integration of consciousness, memory, identity, emotion, perception, body representation, motor [body] control, and behavior."1

Dissociative symptoms and Depersonalization symptoms often accompany Trauma, but may not always. Also trauma can be different for everyone. A similar experience for one person may not be traumatic, while quite traumatic for another.

Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder is described as persistent or recurrent symptoms or episodes of feeling detached, feeling not a part of reality. It often starts in the teen years. If often is mistaken for Panic Attacks, or Panic Disorder. It can also be mistaken for Psychosis. 1

Treatment can include SSRI antidepressants, mood stabilizers, typical and atypical antipsychotics, anticonvulsants. Talk therapy such as psychotherapy including psychodynamic, cognitive, cognitive-behavioral, hypnotherapuetic and supportive can be used as well for treatment. 2

TMS is a newer modality of treatment, and there are reports that the reduction of symptoms can be over 25%.3  Further studies are needed, including stronger studies with placebo controls. This is not medical advice. You should not change your treatment plan before talking to your personal doctor. This is for educational purposes only.

Reference & Citation: 
1. Dissociative Disorders. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. May 2013
2. Dissociative Disorder. Synopsis of Psychiatry. Tenth Edition. 2007.
3. Jay, E. et al; Ventrolateral prefontal cortex repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatmentof depersonalization disorder: A consecutive case series. Psychiatry Research 240 April  2016: 118-122 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2016.04.027