Depersonalization disorder (DPD) is a dissociative disorder in which the sufferer is affected by persistent or recurrent feelings of depersonalization and/or derealization. The symptoms include a sense of automation, going through the motions of life but not experiencing it, feeling as though one is in a movie, feeling as though one is in a dream, feeling a disconnection from one's body; out-of-body experience, a detachment from one's body, environment and difficulty relating oneself to reality.

Occasional moments of mild depersonalization are normal; strong, severe persistent or recurrent feelings are not. A diagnosis of a disorder is made when the dissociation is persistent and interferes with the social and occupational functions necessary to everyday living. Depersonalization Disorder is thought to be largely caused by severe traumatic lifetime events including childhood sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, accidents, war, and torture. Drug use (primarily cannabis) may be a mitigating factor. It is unclear whether genetics play a role, however there is evidence of physiological factors with respect to DPD.

Boru O'Brien O'Connell is an artist living and working in New York City. He received his BFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, MA in 2002 and is currently enrolled in the MFA program at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, NY. He has participated in exhibitions internationally including Phillips de Pury (London), Mount Tremper Arts (NY), and LaMontagne Gallery (MA) where he is also a represented artist. 


For more information please visit www.boruobrienoconnell.com

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