Tag: Derealization

According to one study, as many as 40-60% of people taking Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) may experience a degree of emotional 'blunting,' which is a form of dissociation. This highlights that certain antidepressants can trigger dissociation as a side effect, and it is a topic worth understanding for patients and clinicians alike.

According to a study published in *Neuropsychopharmacology* in 2023, up to 60% of people taking Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline may experience emotional blunting, a flattening of feelings that can contribute to a spaced-out sensation. This detached, zoned-out feeling is a known effect of many antidepressants and often manageable.

Research indicates that a wide range of substances, both prescribed and illicit, are capable of inducing dissociative states. Understanding **what medications can cause dissociation** is crucial for patients and clinicians to differentiate between mental health conditions and medication side effects. These experiences can range from a feeling of detachment from oneself to a sense of unreality in one's surroundings.

According to reports compiled by patient advocacy groups, dissociative experiences, including derealization, are relatively common with some antidepressant use. While designed to alleviate mental health symptoms, some patients find that these medications, particularly SSRIs, can lead to or worsen feelings of unreality or detachment from their surroundings.

Research indicates that dissociative symptoms, such as depersonalization and derealization, are reported side effects of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline. For those who have asked, "Why does sertraline make me feel not real?", this article explains the pharmacological and neurological factors that can contribute to these unsettling sensations.

While no specific medication is approved to cure dissociative disorders directly, up to 80% of outpatients with these conditions receive adjuvant medication for related issues. These pharmacological treatments aim to manage co-occurring symptoms like anxiety, depression, and mood instability, which often fuel dissociative episodes.