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In the medical literature this is referred to as '''depersonalization''' (or '''depersonalisation'''). It is defined as an anomaly of self-awareness that can occur as a common under the influence of [[hallucinogen]]ic substances, particularly [[dissociative]]s. It consists of a feeling of watching oneself act as they normally would, while having no control over a situation.<ref>American Psychiatric Association (2004). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR (Text Revision). American Psychiatric Association. ISBN 0-89042-024-6.</ref> One may feel that they are "on autopilot" and that the world has become vague, dreamlike, less real, or lacking in significance. Individuals who experience depersonalization feel divorced from their own personal physicality by sensing their body sensations, feelings, emotions and behaviors as not belonging to the same person or identity.<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depersonalization-derealization-disorder/basics/definition/con-20033401</ref> Often a person who has experienced depersonalization claims that things seem unreal or hazy during this state.
In the medical literature this is referred to as '''depersonalization''' (or '''depersonalisation'''). It is defined as an anomaly of self-awareness that can occur as a common under the influence of [[hallucinogen]]ic substances, particularly [[dissociative]]s. It consists of a feeling of watching oneself act as they normally would, while having no control over a situation.<ref>American Psychiatric Association (2004). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR (Text Revision). American Psychiatric Association. ISBN 0-89042-024-6.</ref> One may feel that they are "on autopilot" and that the world has become vague, dreamlike, less real, or lacking in significance. Individuals who experience depersonalization feel divorced from their own personal physicality by sensing their body sensations, feelings, emotions and behaviors as not belonging to the same person or identity.<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depersonalization-derealization-disorder/basics/definition/con-20033401</ref> Often a person who has experienced depersonalization claims that things seem unreal or hazy during this state.


Chronic depersonalization which is classified by the DSM-IV as a dissociative disorder. This can be a disturbing experience since many feel that, indeed, they are living in a "dream". Though degrees of depersonalization and derealization can happen to anyone who is subject to temporary anxiety or stress, chronic depersonalization is more related to individuals who have experienced a severe trauma or prolonged stress or anxiety.  
Chronic depersonalization which is classified by the DSM-IV as a dissociative disorder can be a disturbing experience since many feel that, indeed, they are living in a "dream". Though degrees of depersonalization can happen to anyone who is subject to temporary anxiety or stress, chronic depersonalization is more related to individuals who have experienced a severe trauma or prolonged stress or anxiety.  


Depersonalisation can be considered as the opposite state of mind in comparison to a feeling of [[unity and interconnectedness]]. This is because during depersonalisation, one's identity is attributed to nothing which gives them a sense of having no self. However, during a state of unity and interconnectedness, one's identity is attributed to everything instead of nothing which gives them a sense that the entirety of existence is their self.
Depersonalisation can be considered as the opposite state of mind in comparison to a feeling of [[unity and interconnectedness]]. This is because during depersonalisation, one's identity is attributed to nothing which gives them a sense of having no self. However, during a state of unity and interconnectedness, one's identity is attributed to everything instead of nothing which gives them a sense that the entirety of existence is their self.