Depersonalization-derealization Disorder in Men

Abstract

The objective: to analyze the features of the course of depersonalization-derealization disorder (DDD) in men on the example of a clinical case. Materials and methods. The pilot study included 51 individuals, namely: 8 (15.7%) men and 43 (84.3%) women, with average age 21 years (SD=3.66) and 23.86 years (SD=6.88), respectively. Study participants had criteria for DDD according to the International Classification of Diseases for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics 10th revision (ICD-10). The following tests were used in the research, such as the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), the Beck Hopelessness Questionnaire (BHI), the Sheehan Patient Rated Anxiety Scale (SPRAS), the Cambridge Depersonalization Scale (CDS), and the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES). Statistical data analysis was carried out using the IBM SPSS Statistics program. Results. Depending on comorbid pathology, three groups of participants were formed: 1) without comorbid pathology; 2) with comorbid depressive disorders; 3) with anxiety disorders. Two men were found to have cannabis-induced DDD. The article presents one typical case of cannabis-induced DDD. A statistically significant difference was determined between men and women who have higher scores on the Dissociative Experiences Scale DES (p=0.032). Several correlations between the CDS and Beck tests, as well as the Beck and Hamilton tests (men Tb=0.571; p=0.01) were found only in men. Conclusions. These cases have a high comorbidity, especially with anxiety disorders. Further research is needed to confirm this correlation. The specific weight of depersonalization derealization symptoms according to the DES scale is significantly higher in men. Cannabis-induced DDD is more common in men than women. At the same time, no sociodemographic differences between the sexes were found.