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Depersonalization and Self-Destruction

Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.125.3.399

Depersonalization in conjunction with self-destructive behavior is more common than generally realized. Suicide attempts are often carried out while the individual is in a depersonalized state. As a result of ego-splitting there is partial withdrawal from both the external and intrapsychic worlds. The individual views the self-destructive act as though it was being carried out by another person.

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