Introduction: Depersonalization (DP) is a phenomenon that can be placed on a continuum, from transient episodes to a chronic, clinical form (Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder) (DPDR) (DSM-5). DPDR affects around 1% -2% of the general population. Transient experiences of DP may appear in healthy individuals triggered by fatigue, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma or stress. The present study aims to examine the associations between depersonalization and individual dispositions of the nervous system—specifically trait anxiety, sensory processing sensitivity, and symptoms of attention deficits and hyperactivity—in a healthy adult population.
Methods: The sample consisted of 366 young adults (184 women, 180 men, 2 not reported; Mage=25.57 years, SD=3.2), who participated in an online survey conducted via a national research panel. The following instruments were used: Depersonalization Mechanism Scale (DMS), Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS), Trait Anxiety Scale (SL-C), and Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1).
Results: Depersonalization symptoms were significantly associated with sensory processing sensitivity (r = .63, p < .001), trait anxiety (r = .46, p < .001), and—most strongly—with symptoms of attention deficits and hyperactivity (r = .71, p < .001). Regression analysis indicated that symptoms of depersonalization are significantly predicted by individual dispositions of nervous system (F(3, 362) = 145.70, p < .001). The model explained 55% of the variance in depersonalization symptoms (adjusted R² = .55), with attention deficits and hyperactivity emerging as the strongest predictor (B = 0.63, SE = 0.06, β = 0.54, p < .001).
Conclusions: An in-depth analysis of the relationships between depersonalization and sensory processing sensitivity, anxiety, and ADHD symptoms, allows for a better understanding and explanation of how individual dispositions influence coping strategies. A better understanding of these associations may inform therapeutic approaches, particularly in interventions targeting crises, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
