What defines Derealization?

Derealization is characterized by a sensation of detachment from reality, which aligns with a sense of altered perception of the self and the environment. Individuals experiencing derealization often describe feelings of unreality regarding their surroundings, sensing that the external world is distorted or dreamlike.

Although the sensation of unfamiliarity with surroundings can be a part of derealization, the fundamental essence of the condition lies in the broader feeling of being detached from reality itself, which encompasses both the self and the environment. This makes the second choice, the sensation of detachment from reality, the most accurate definition of derealization.

The other options relate to different psychological phenomena. Loss of memory for personal history pertains more to amnesia or dissociative disorders. A threat response to stressors is indicative of anxiety disorders or trauma responses. While experiencing unfamiliarity can occur during derealization, it doesn't fully capture the pervasive nature of the detachment from reality that defines the phenomenon.