The Loss of Reality: Perception Symptoms of Benzo Withdrawal

Our central nervous system not only provides sensations of pleasure and pain, but it also interprets our perception of reality. In benzo withdrawal, that sense of reality can be altered creating an inescapable fog of detachment and illusion.

In today’s episode, we explore perceptual symptoms of benzo withdrawal including derealization, depersonalization, hallucinations, and perceptual distortions. We also answer a question on cognitive dysfunction and returning to the workplace, hear a story from Louisiana, and discuss our recent website issues.

https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/the-loss-of-reality-perception-symptoms-of-benzo-withdrawal-bfp028

Video ID: BFP028

Episode Summary

Today, we have part nine in our 14-part series on withdrawal symptoms of benzo withdrawal by focusing on perception symptoms in withdrawal. We also hear a short benzo story from Louisiana, discuss our recent website issues at Benzo Free, and answer a couple of questions.

Resources

The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein.

FEATURE: Perception Symptoms in Benzo Withdrawal

• American Psychiatric Association (APA). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Arlington, Virginia: American Psychiatric Association, 2013.
• Ashton, C. Heather. Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (aka The Ashton Manual). 2002. Accessed April 13, 2016. http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual.
• Davis Konigsberg, Ruth. “What If Your Anxiety Or Depression Is Actually “DDD?” Elle. February 9, 2016. Accessed March 7, 2017. https://www.elle.com/life-love/a33849/depersonalization-disorder/.
• “Depersonalization-derealization disorder.” Mayo Clinic. Accessed July 22, 2019. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depersonalization-derealization-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352916.
• Foster, D E. Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal. Erie, Colorado: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. https://easinganxiety.com/book.
• Goldberg, Harris. “Turning A Sudden Mental Disorder Into A Film.” HuffPost. April 18, 2007. Accessed July 22, 2019. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/turning-a-sudden-mental-d_b_46145.
• “Numb (2007).” IMDb. Accessed July 22, 2019. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0795439/.
• Numb. DVD. Directed by Harris Goldberg. Los Angeles: Image Entertainment, 2007.
• Teeple, Ryan C., Jason P. Caplan, and Theodore A. Stern. “Visual Hallucinations: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment.” Primary Care Companion to The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 11(1)(2009):26-32. Accessed July 22, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2660156/.
• “The Human Attention Span.” Digital Information World. September 10, 2018. Accessed July 22, 2018. https://www.digitalinformationworld.com/2018/09/the-human-attention-span-infographic.html.

The Podcast

The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata).

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All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer.

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