Depersonalization and Derealization

Abstract

A case of depersonalization has been described on the basis of which the following conclusions are offered for consideration. 1. The mechanism of depersonalization is an ego defense, of varying degree, in which the symptoms of estrangement h-om the self may be the ultimate manifestation. 2. Depersonalization is a defense against powerful id drives and their associated affects which are viewed, either realistically or neurotically, as a threat to survival. 3. Depersonalization operates by a withdrawal of cathexis from the self-representation and results in the feelings of estrangement from the self. 4. Depersonalization may result when the conflict between the parents becomes internalized within the ego of the child; and in the struggle between simultaneous hostile identifications with both parents, the identity of the individual is lost. 5. Derealization differs from depersonalization in that cathexis is withdnwn from the object representations and results in feelings of estrangement from others. 6. Depersonalization and derealization, like narcissism and object love, all deal with various aspects of instinctual relations of self to objects, and involve varying degrees of maturation or regression of ego function and identity. © 1962, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.