Depersonalization, Derealization, and the Simulation of Self: Parallels Between Altered States of Consciousness and Artificial Intelligence

Plain-language summary: This project explores how experiences of depersonalization and derealization can be compared to functional properties of large language models. The work is a narrative mini-review based on existing clinical and AI literature and does not claim empirical or diagnostic conclusions. Abstract: Depersonalization–derealization disorder (DPDR) is a condition in which people feel detached from themselves (as if they are watching their life from the outside) and/or from the world (as if everything is unreal or dreamlike), even though they usually understand that reality has not changed. This mini-review summarizes recent research and clinical ideas about why this happens. Across studies, DPDR is often linked to changes in how the brain connects thoughts, emotions, and bodily feelings, which can reduce the sense of “being present” and make experiences feel flat or distant. To clarify the difference between outward behavior and inner experience, the review also briefly compares DPDR with modern AI language models: they can produce convincing language, but that does not mean they have feelings or a lived point of view. Overall, the review highlights how a person can think clearly while still feeling unreal, and why this matters for mental health research. AI disclosure: AI tools were used for language polishing and structural suggestions.