However, MD is essentially different than normal daydreaming and mind-wandering, defined quite broadly as internally generated, or off-task, thought ( 12). Importantly, different types of mental states in which one does not focus on the present may be associated with psychological difficulties, such as rumination, worry, thinking about the past or future, or mind-wandering ( 10, 11). However, mental health practitioners are often disparaging of their problem, resulting in suboptimal treatment and heightened loneliness and distress ( 1). Negative emotions follow their daily daydreaming activity ( 8, 9). Maladaptive Daydreamers (MDers) report a strong urge to daydream whenever they can and annoyance whenever they cannot, and, repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop daydreaming, like other behavioral addictions ( 4, 7). This addictive absorption in daydreaming becomes maladaptive as it consumes many hours a day, generates shame or guilt, hinders achievement of short- and long-term goals or tasks, and overall causes clinically significant distress and/or interferes with functioning in social or occupational realms ( 2, 4– 7). Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD) is a proposed mental disorder characterized by excessive, compulsive immersion in vivid and complex fantastical daydreamed plots, generating intense emotional involvement, often accompanied by stereotypical movements ( 1– 3).
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