Maladaptive daydreaming is a relatively new proposed mental health disorder that is not yet recognized in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-5) used by mental health ...
A new article in the Journal of Clinical Psychology (Theodor-Katz et al., 2022) recommends adding “maladaptive daydreaming” to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Proposed ...
Maladaptive behaviors are persistent patterns of thought, action, or feeling that interfere with your ability to adapt to life situations. Otherwise normal behaviors, like daydreaming, can become maladaptive if they are used habitually to avoid new or difficult situations. Maladaptive behaviors may bring initial relief, but can undermine your health and well-being over the long term. 1
Maladaptive daydreaming is a behavior where a person spends an excessive amount of time daydreaming, often becoming immersed in their imagination. This behavior is usually a coping mechanism in people who have mental health conditions like anxiety.
The daydreaming is "maladaptive" because it causes significant distress and impairment. The daydreams are often vivid and complex plots that elicit a great deal of emotion.
Maladaptive daydreaming differs from regular daydreaming in many ways. fizkes/ Shutterstock Despite what we’re often taught to believe, daydreaming can be immensely useful. Not only can it be a source ...
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