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Maladaptive daydreaming (MD or MADD to not confuse with major depression), or daydreaming disorder, is a psychological concept first introduced in 2002 by Prof. Eli Somer to describe a time consuming absorption in fantasy that can create distress and/or interfere with social, academic, vocational or other important areas of functioning.

MADD is still at the beginning of scientific investigations, not being recognized as a diagnosis yet and therefore can not be found in the DSM or ICD.

Description	Edit MADD "is extensive fantasy activity that replaces human interaction and/or interferes with academic, interpersonal, or vocational functioning"[1]

"Individuals with [MADD] develop highly structured internal worlds with many different characters who interact as in a play or novel. [...] The daydreaming often has an addictive or compulsive quality to it, but the individual knows that it is an internal fantasy world and is not delusional about it. [MADD] may be accompanied by stereotyped movements and has several potential triggers such as music, boredom, or social isolation. Frequently, persons with [MADD] have made repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop [MADD]."[2]

Diagnosis	Edit The diagnostic criteria advanced by Eli Somer are as follows:

A. Persistent and recurrent fantasy activity that is vivid and fanciful, as indicated by the individual exhibiting two (or more) of the following in a 6-month period; at least one of these should be Criterion 1

While daydreaming, experiences an intense sense of absorption/immersion that includes visual, auditory, or affective properties Daydreaming is triggered, maintained, or enhanced with exposure to music Daydreaming is triggered, maintained, or enhanced with exposure to stereotypical movement (e.g., pacing, rocking, hand movements) Often daydreams when feels distressed or bored 5 Daydreaming length or intensity intensifies in the absence of others (e.g., daydreams more when alone) Is annoyed when unable to daydream or when daydreaming is interrupted or curbed Would rather daydream than engage in daily chores, social, academic, or professional activities Has made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop daydreaming B. The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning

C. The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition (e.g., dementia) and is not better explained by autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar I disorder, obsessive–compulsive and related disorders, dissociative identity disorder, substance-related and addictive disorders, an organic disorder, or a medical condition.

Current severity defined as follows:

mild: experiences mainly distress, no obvious functional impairment. moderate: one area of functioning is affected (e.g., work). severe: more than area of functioning is affected (e.g., work, school or social life).[3] Comorbidity	Edit Research findings show a relationship between MADD and dissociative absorption, ADHD, OCD, depression and anxiety. Evidence suggests MADD could fit the description of a behavioural addiction.

"We determined high rates of comorbidity: 74.4% met criteria for more than three additional disorders, and 41.1% met criteria for more than four. The most frequent comorbid disorder was attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (76.9%); 71.8% met criteria for an anxiety disorder, 66.7% for a depressive disorder, and 53.9% for an obsessive-compulsive or related disorder. Notably, 28.2% have attempted suicide. Individuals meeting criteria for [MADD] have complex psychiatric problems spanning a range of DSM-5 disorders. This finding provides evidence that [MADD] is different than normal daydreaming and that these individuals experience considerable distress and impairment."[2]

Causes	Edit Studies show that a subgroup of individuals with MADD have been subjected to adverse childhood experiences such as emotional neglect or abuse, or social anxiety and isolation suggesting a potential emotional regulation role for MADD.

Research	Edit In 2017, The Maladaptive Daydreaming Research Laboratory was established at the Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences at the University of Haifa to increase awareness of MADD in the field and drive research.

They are currently developing an online experimental treatment module for Maladaptive Daydreaming planned in September 2018 and are looking for participates affected by MADD.[4]

All previous scientific texts are listed on the website of The Maladaptive Daydreaming Research Laboratory. Category:Dissociative disorders Category:Behavioral addiction

Somer, Eli (2002). "Maladaptive Daydreaming: A Qualitative Inquiry" (PDF). Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy. 32(2) (2): 195–210. Somer, Eli; Soffer-Dudek, Nirit; Ross, Colin A. (2017). "The comorbidity of daydreaming disorder (Maladaptive Daydreaming)" (PDF). Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease. 205 (7): 525–530. Somer, Eli; Soffer-Dudek, Nirit; Ross, Colin A.; Halpern, Naomi (2017). "Maladaptive daydreaming: Proposed diagnostic criteria and their assessment with a structured clinical interview". Psychology of Consciousness: Theory, Research, and Practice. 4 (2): 176–189. "The Maladaptive Daydreaming Research Laboratory". Category:Behavioral addiction Category:Dissociative disorders