Depersonalization-derealization disorder (DPDR, DPD) is a mental disorder in which the person has persistent or recurrent feelings of depersonalization or derealization. Depersonalization is described as feeling disconnected or detached from ones self. Individuals may report feeling as if they are an outside observer of their own thoughts or body, and often report feeling a loss of control over their thoughts or actions. Derealization is described as detachment from ones surroundings. Individuals experiencing derealization may report perceiving the world around them as foggy, dreamlike/surreal, or visually distorted.Depersonalization-derealization disorder is thought to be caused largely by interpersonal trauma such as childhood abuse. Adverse early childhood experiences, specifically emotional abuse and neglect have been linked to the development of depersonalization symptoms. Triggers may include significant stress, panic attacks, and drug use. Those who do have this disorder could be in a depersonalized state for as long as a regular panic attack lasts. However, in some certain situations this state of mind could last either hours, days, and possibly even weeks at a time.Diagnostic criteria for depersonalization-derealization disorder includes persistent or recurrent feelings of detachment from ones mental or bodily processes or from ones surroundings. A diagnosis is made when the dissociation is persistent and interferes with the social or occupational functions of daily life.While depersonalization-derealization disorder was once considered rare, lifetime experiences with it occur in about 1–2% of the general population. The chronic form of the disorder has a reported prevalence of 0.8 to 1.9%.
Anatomical differences are common and can be congenital. In some women, cervical incompetence or cervical insufficiency occurs with the inability of the cervix to stay closed during the entire pregnancy. It does not cause first trimester miscarriages. In the second trimester, it is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. It is identified after a premature birth has occurred at about 16–18 weeks into the pregnancy. During the second trimester, major trauma can result in a miscarriage. Smoking
Tobacco (cigarette) smokers have an increased risk of miscarriage. There is an increased risk regardless of which parent smokes, though the risk is higher when the gestational mother smokes. Morning sickness
Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP, or morning sickness) is associated with a decreased risk. Several possible causes have been suggested for morning sickness but there is still no agreement. NVP may represent a defense mechanism which discourages the mothers ingestion of foods that are harmful to the fetus; according to this model, a lower frequency of miscarriage would be an expected consequence of the different food choices made by women experiencing NVP. Chemicals and occupational exposure
Chemical and occupational exposures may have some effect in pregnancy outcomes. A cause and effect relationship almost can never be established. Those chemicals that are implicated in increasing the risk for miscarriage are DDT, lead, formaldehyde, arsenic, benzene and ethylene oxide. Video display terminals and ultrasound have not been found to have an effect on the rates of miscarriage.