In which mental health condition do individuals primarily experience a detachment from their surroundings?

Individuals experiencing depersonalization/derealization disorder primarily report feelings of detachment from themselves or their environment. This condition is characterized by an altered perception of reality, where individuals might feel as though they are observing themselves from outside their body (depersonalization) or feel disconnected from their surroundings as if the world is unreal (derealization). This detachment can be distressing and can result in a significant impact on an individual's functioning.

In contrast, while post-traumatic stress disorder involves symptoms such as intrusive memories and heightened arousal following a traumatic event, it does not primarily focus on the experience of detachment from one's surroundings. Generalized anxiety disorder centers more on excessive worry and anxiety about various aspects of life, rather than the specific sense of disconnection associated with detachment. Lastly, bipolar disorder involves mood swings from depression to mania but does not primarily manifest through the experience of detachment. Thus, depersonalization/derealization disorder is the correct choice when identifying a condition characterized chiefly by a sense of detachment from one’s surroundings.