Methylphenidate in depersonalization disorder: a case report

Abstract

The symptom of depersonalization is frequently associated with other mental disorders, physiological effects of substances or medical diseases. However, it is rare that, as in the case presented, the experiences of depersonalization form an isolated entity, a primary depersonalization disorder.

Among the many psychoactive drugs studied, none of them has been shown to be the treatment of choice. Among those with which the best results are obtained are opioid receptor antagonists (naloxone and naltrexone), the combination of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors with lamotrigine and clorimipramine. Although with virtually no evidence, we are presenting a case that responded spectacularly to methylphenidate.