I don't think doctors can relate to it, because it defies words.

I am now going through constant moderate DP punctuated by episodes of extremely severe DP. I don't have panic attacks. This started when I was 11, so I have 27 years of psychic toughness under my belt.

It's easy for me to understand, basically being a borderline personality, I broke up with my girlfriend of 6 years, and moved into my own apartment and live alone. She just told me I couldn't come back (when I was inpatient at psych) and was very immature about it. She's 36.

Anyway, I've been drifting around and at times, totally losing my identity and sense of self, don't recognize my face in the mirror, etc. Can't get a job till this clears up.

There are 3 medications supposed to help diminish DP and I am on two (arguably three) - Lamictal at a whopping 600mg, clonazepam and imipramine (clomipramine is the other, and there's not an appreciable difference).

The point of all this is that CBT and other therapy is necessary to reintegrate into the world. I hide in my mind. Medication can't touch this. Clonazepam steps on it a little, but not much.

If it got any worse when it was severe I'd probably have delirium symptoms and wander around aimless on the street till the cops picked me up.

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It's abominable how little they study this and how little they teach. My psychiatrist is in his 60's and, after seeing many, I will never see a young psych again. With age comes wisdom in the world of headshrinking, and you can bet on that.

TC
vv