Maladaptive daydreaming

Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD), often referred to as excessive daydreaming, is a phenomenon characterized by extended periods of vivid daydreaming that disrupt an individual's life and daily functioning. It was first proposed as a unique psychological construct in 2002 by Professor Eli Somer of the University of Haifa. Maladaptive Daydreaming is associated with distress and is marked by a compulsive dependence on extensive fantasy and daydreaming as an escape from reality, a symptom that often replaces human interaction and can interfere with normal daily functioning such as social life or work. Despite its profound impact on some individuals' lives, it is currently not recognized by any major diagnostic manual of psychiatry or medicine.

Overview

Maladaptive Daydreaming is characterized by recurrent and extensive periods of daydreaming that replace or interfere with the individual's life, preventing them from performing essential tasks or leading a fulfilling social life. This condition is often accompanied by repetitive movements, vivid and fanciful daydreams, and elaborate narratives that involve the self.

Diagnosis and Recognition

Maladaptive Daydreaming is not formally recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) or International Classification of Diseases (ICD), but it shares characteristics with recognized disorders, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and various dissociative disorders. Some professionals argue for its inclusion due to the significant distress and functional impairment it can cause.

Proposed Symptoms

Professor Somer's research has proposed several key features for diagnosing Maladaptive Daydreaming:

• Extremely vivid daydreams with their own characters, settings, plots, and other detailed, story-like features.
• Daydreams triggered by real-life events.
• Difficulty completing everyday tasks.
• Difficulty sleeping due to daydreaming.
• An overwhelming desire to continue daydreaming.

Treatment

Currently, there is no established treatment protocol for Maladaptive Daydreaming. However, some clinicians may use approaches derived from treatments for similar disorders such as OCD or ADHD.

References

• Somer, E. (2002). Maladaptive daydreaming: A qualitative inquiry. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 32(2-3), 197-212.
• Bigelsen, J., & Schupak, C. (2011). Compulsive fantasy: Proposed evidence of an under-reported syndrome through a systematic study of 90 self-identified non-normative fantasizers. Consciousness and Cognition, 20(4), 1634-1648.

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