What common symptom characterizes depersonalization?

Feeling detached from surroundings is a hallmark symptom of depersonalization. Individuals experiencing depersonalization often describe a sense of unreality regarding themselves or their environment. This can manifest as feeling disconnected from one’s thoughts, feelings, or sense of identity, or perceiving the world around them as strange or dreamlike. This detachment can lead to an unsettling experience, where a person may feel as though they are observing themselves from outside their body or watching their life as if it were a movie.

The other choices do not specifically relate to the characteristic symptoms of depersonalization. Hallucinations, severe mood swings, and psychotic episodes are associated with different mental health disorders; they do not accurately describe the core experience of depersonalization. Thus, the correct choice accurately captures the essential aspect of this phenomenon.