Depersonalization disorder

This code represents depersonalization disorder, a dissociative disorder characterized by persistent or recurrent feelings of detachment from one's own mental processes or body, as if one is an outside observer of oneself. Individuals may describe feeling unreal, like a robot, or as if they are in a dream.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of depersonalization disorder, often accompanied by significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. This diagnosis should be made by a mental health professional based on established diagnostic criteria.

• Differentiate from derealization, which involves detachment from one's surroundings; depersonalization is detachment from oneself.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "depersonalization disorder" rather than transient depersonalization symptoms that may occur in other conditions.
• Consider sequencing with any co-occurring mental health conditions, as depersonalization can be a symptom of other disorders.