12/3/2024 Julia Lebovitz: Altered Self-Experience in Depersonalization Disorder
Clinical Brown Bag
Julia Lebovitz
Graduate Student, Park Lab
Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Time: 12:00PM-1:00PM
Location: 316 Wilson Hall
Altered Self-Experience in Depersonalization Disorder
In this presentation, I will discuss altered self-experience in depersonalization-derealization disorder (DPD), a clinical condition characterized by a pronounced disconnection from one’s self and surroundings. Depersonalization experiences can occur transiently in the general population, in the context of other psychopathologies (e.g., anxiety, depression, schizophrenia), or as a chronic and debilitating condition, as seen in DPD. I will begin by sharing the distinct phenomenological experiences reported by individuals with DPD, focusing on four core components of the self: embodiment, self-location, self-boundary, and self-awareness. Embodiment and self-location were assessed using a computerized mapping tool, emBODY. Self-boundary was investigated through a novel immersive virtual reality paradigm measuring preferred interpersonal distance. Self-awareness was evaluated using self-report measures, including the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA-2), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS). Additionally, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted to deepen our understanding of altered self-experience.I will present findings on altered self-experience in three groups: individuals with high depersonalization levels in the general population, those with high depersonalization levels in the context of schizophrenia, and individuals with clinical DPD. Our results indicate that individuals with depersonalization experiences and clinical DPD exhibit altered embodiment, self-location, self-boundary, and self-awareness. These findings are supported by qualitative reports, where participants describe porous self-boundaries, a sense of disconnection from their physical body, and difficulty experiencing, accessing, and naming emotions. These results underscore the centrality of altered self-experience in DPD and its implications for developing targeted interventions.
Questions? Contact David Schlundt.