'Uncomfortably numb' : the perspectives of Maltese mental health professionals towards depersonalization disorder

Abstract

This paper aimed to explore the clinical experiences of Maltese mental health professional who have worked with clients suffering from Depersonalization Disorder (DPD) or depersonalization symptoms. A qualitative approach, namely Thematic Analysis (TA), was used and semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with male and female psychiatrists, psychologists and psychotherapists. Five major themes were extrapolated from the participant’s narratives during data analysis through TA. Prevailing factors originated from the experience including; clinical understandings, the process of diagnosis, treatment approaches, the self of the professional and the social context surrounding DPD. It can be recognised that each of these factors play a role in the professionals’ working experience, which inevitably also affects their clientele. Therefore, recommendations for future research proposed a longitudinal study investigating the experience of Maltese individuals who suffer or have suffered from DPD along with their experience with mental health settings.