derealization

Derealization is a psychological experience where one's surroundings appear unreal or unfamiliar. This feeling can occur in various contexts, including reactions to drugs or as a symptom of conditions like schizophrenia. It is characterized by an altered sense of reality.1

While derealization pertains to the unreality of one's surroundings, depersonalization involves a feeling that oneself or the outside world is unreal. This can manifest as a sense of detachment from one's body, altered perceptions of body parts, or feeling like an observer of oneself. Mild feelings of depersonalization can occur during normal adolescent development or after periods of stress. However, when these feelings cause significant impairment, they may indicate a disorder requiring treatment.2