From the Guidelines
Users of marijuana (cannabis) are the ones who commonly experience depersonalization and derealization.
Relevant Evidence
- The study 1 highlights that cannabis use can lead to breaks with reality, including paranoia or psychosis, which can manifest as depersonalization and derealization.
- Specifically, the study notes that cannabis can cause confusion, dizzy, and feeling extremely confused, which are all related to depersonalization and derealization.
- It is also worth noting that the study warns against cannabis use in individuals with a history of breaks with reality, suggesting a potential link between cannabis use and depersonalization/derealization symptoms.
- While the study does not directly compare the rates of depersonalization and derealization among users of marijuana, those with seizures, and those with migraines, the evidence suggests that cannabis use is a significant risk factor for these symptoms.
From the Research
Patients Experiencing Depersonalization and Derealization
- Patients with seizures, particularly those with frontal lobe epilepsy, are more likely to experience depersonalization-like symptoms 2
- Temporal lobe epilepsy is associated with derealization-like symptoms 2, 3
- Migraines (vascular headaches) have been linked to depersonalization, with left-sided temporal lobe dysfunction and anxiety suggested as contributing factors 4
- Users of marijuana (cannabis) may experience depersonalization and derealization, particularly as an immediate precipitant of the disorder 5
Common Associations
- Epilepsy and migraine appear to be the disorders most commonly associated with depersonalization 4
- Depersonalization disorder has also been associated with childhood interpersonal trauma, severe stress, depression, panic, and substance ingestion (including marijuana and hallucinogens) 5
Neurobiological Mechanisms
- Depersonalization and derealization have been linked to alterations in brain regions involved in self-consciousness, emotional regulation, and sensory integration 2, 6
- The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, autonomic functioning, and various neurocircuits are also implicated in the experience of depersonalization and derealization 6