Verbal Abuse, Depersonalization and Deep Brain Reorienting Therapy
Verbal Abuse, Depersonalization, and the Innate Alarm and Defensive Systems: A Single Case Illustration of Treatment with Deep Brain Reorienting.
Costanzo Frau & Frank M. Corrigan
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Summary:
This study explores the connection between verbal abuse, a severe form of emotional trauma, and depersonalization-derealization disorder (DDD). It posits that chronic verbal abuse, especially in childhood, can trigger the brain's innate alarm system at the brainstem level, leading to a persistent sense of detachment from oneself and the surrounding world. The article argues that this neurological response, rather than being a mere psychological adaptation, is a direct result of the brainstem's reaction to intense emotional shock, disrupting the normal balance of cortical functioning.
To address this, the study examined the effectiveness of Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) therapy, a trauma-focused technique designed to target deep-seated emotional responses by targeting the brainstem, where instinctive reactions to trauma are stored.
Through a single case study, the article demonstrated significant improvements in depersonalization symptoms, social anxiety, and overall quality of life following 43 DBR sessions. The therapy focused on processing the shock and horror responses associated with the patient's history of verbal abuse, leading to enhanced emotional regulation and a reduction in dissociative symptoms. The findings suggest that DBR may be a valuable therapeutic approach for individuals with DDD, particularly when the disorder is rooted in early emotional trauma.
