Definition of depersonalization

The term "depersonalization" has its roots in the late 19th century. It was coined by French psychiatrist Pierre Janet (1859-1947) in his work on hysteria and psychopathology. Janet used the term to describe a phenomenon where patients experiencing hysterical attacks would report feelings of detachment, impersonality, and emotional numbness. He believed that depersonalization was a distinctive feature of hysteria, which he viewed as a disorder that arose from a fragmented personality. The term gained popularity in the early 20th century, particularly among psychoanalysts like Sigmund Freud, who built upon Janet's work. Freud saw depersonalization as a defense mechanism that allowed individuals to cope with stressful or traumatic events by disengaging from their own emotions and sense of self. Today, depersonalization is recognized as a symptom of various mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, trauma, and solvent intoxication. Its origin in Janet's work highlights the importance of understanding the historical development of psychiatric concepts and terminology.