American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ABPN Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term that describes a subjective sense that the environment is altered or unreal is derealization. This phenomenon is characterized by feelings of detachment from the surrounding world, making it feel as if it is distorted, dreamlike, or unreal. Individuals experiencing derealization may perceive their environment as lacking in depth, color, or clarity, which can lead to significant discomfort and confusion.

Derealization often occurs in the context of various psychological conditions, such as anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, or dissociative disorders, and can serve as a defense mechanism in response to overwhelming stress or trauma.

While depersonalization refers to a similar detachment experience, it pertains specifically to oneself, where individuals feel disconnected from their own thoughts, feelings, or body. Amnesia involves memory loss and does not directly relate to the perception of the environment, while anosognosia refers to a lack of awareness or insight into one's own condition, particularly in neurological disorders.