First of all, there aren’t many out there about Depersonalization/Derealization anyways. But I’ve read many and will try to give you a summary on all of them so you do not need to spend the money. My general advice is that there isn’t anything that you will find in these books that you can’t find on the internet. It’s wonderful that we live in the technology age where medical information is readily available. I can’t imagine DP/DR sufferers 20 years ago, I truly feel their pain, perception on mental illness has greatly improved over the recent years too.
My advice to you is not to read a book but speak to a professional psychologist or psychiatrist and begin your recovery journey. I’m not saying that those books aren’t good but this condition is not a condition that is suitable for self-help. Behavior does aggravates the symptoms but this condition is more than behaviors, it’s your brain chemicals so speak to a doctor.
Here are some of the books I’ve read so far about Depersonalization and Derealization.
- Overcoming Depersonalization Disorder
This book is really the only book specifically about DP/DR. It mainly focuses on different therapies that can benefit DP/DR, for example, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. There is a section about treatment from a pharmaceutical approach but it’s limited.
- Depersonalization – A New Look At a Neglected Syndrome
This is a research book, it basically puts all of the research that have been done by King’s College of London Depersonalization Research Unit. I have heard that the lead researcher has left and the unit is not in a good state, very unfortunate. This unit is really one of very very few centers that focuses on Depersonalization Research. As the title implies, it is a neglected syndrome but it is a lot more common than what people think. The target audience is really for the medical community, it goes into many theories of DP/DR and why they occurr. This book also features different case examples and the treatments that went along with them. It’s a good read but it’s expensive.
- The Body Keeps the Score
This book mainly focuses on trauma related dissociation, like PTSD which can have Depersonalization and Derealization as symptoms. It’s an interesting read but not targeted towards DP/DR.
- At Last A Life
This book is mainly on DP/DR from an anxiety and panic attack perspective. I think DP/DR can stem from anxiety and panic but there are many other causes. I didn’t find this book useful.
My book collection on Amazon Kindle
Like I mentioned, everything is available on the internet, the books offer no secret. I would greatly encourage that you speak to a psychiatrist to begin your treatment journey. Instead of reading these books, an alternative is go out and live your life. You can read eveything there is to about DP/DR and gain nothing from it.
There is a light at the end of this tunnel, the world is with you!
Brain Defect - Battle against mental illness. 