Which of the following best describes derealization?

Which of the following best describes derealization?

• A. A feeling of being outside observers of own behavior
• B. Losing a sense of reality of the external world
• C. Experiencing severe anxiety related to health issues
• D. Preoccupation with physical symptoms of illness

Answer: (B)

Derealization is best described as the experience of losing a sense of reality regarding the external world. Individuals experiencing derealization often feel disconnected from their surroundings, which can manifest as a sensation that the world is unreal, dreamlike, or distorted. This phenomenon can be distressing and often occurs in conjunction with other psychological conditions, but it specifically focuses on the perception of the external environment rather than self-awareness or internal feelings. The other choices, while they address various psychological experiences, do not accurately capture the essence of derealization. For instance, the sense of being an outside observer of one's own behavior pertains more to depersonalization, which involves a disconnection from oneself rather than an altered perception of the external world. Severe anxiety connected to health issues and a preoccupation with physical symptoms are indicative of anxiety disorders and somatic symptom disorders, respectively, and do not directly relate to the experience of derealization.

Derealization is best described as the experience of losing a sense of reality regarding the external world. Individuals experiencing derealization often feel disconnected from their surroundings, which can manifest as a sensation that the world is unreal, dreamlike, or distorted. This phenomenon can be distressing and often occurs in conjunction with other psychological conditions, but it specifically focuses on the perception of the external environment rather than self-awareness or internal feelings.

The other choices, while they address various psychological experiences, do not accurately capture the essence of derealization. For instance, the sense of being an outside observer of one's own behavior pertains more to depersonalization, which involves a disconnection from oneself rather than an altered perception of the external world. Severe anxiety connected to health issues and a preoccupation with physical symptoms are indicative of anxiety disorders and somatic symptom disorders, respectively, and do not directly relate to the experience of derealization.