This rare disorder has remarkable health benefits
Do you ever find yourself lost in a daydream for a very long time? Perhaps even hours on end? Although it is not yet medically recognized, experts have a name for this condition: maladaptive daydreaming. It is unusual, potentially very debilitating, and researchers are currently learning more about it.
Curious? Check out this gallery to find out more.
Maladaptive daydreaming can be very debilitating, and people who struggle with it may find that it interrupts their work, friendships, and relationships.
While it may overlap with other mental health and neurological conditions, there is evidence to suggest that maladaptive daydreaming is a distinct problem and should be treated as such.
The symptoms of maladaptive daydreaming all center around daydreaming itself, and they can be divided into two categories: daydreaming behavior, and how the person feels about it.
Crucially, maladaptive daydreaming can go on for much longer than a normal period of daydreaming. The people worst affected can do it for hours at a time.
Firstly, there may be feelings of guilt or shame. People with this condition often feel embarrassed about what they are experiencing, especially if it interferes with their normal life.
Indeed, people who have maladaptive daydreaming may choose to daydream instead of spend time with others, or spend time on their work or studies.
Finally, some who experience maladaptive daydreaming may spend considerable amounts of time trying to daydream less, often to no avail.
It is not yet understood what causes maladaptive daydreaming. However, it is believed to be a response to mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
Indeed, research suggests that the incidence of maladaptive daydreaming is higher in people who have already been diagnosed with a condition that affects their mental health.
Age could be a contributing factor, too. Some research shows that maladaptive daydreaming may be more common in younger people, especially young adults and teenagers.
Finally, there may be a connection between maladaptive daydreaming and having a history of trauma or abuse.
Since maladaptive daydreaming is not yet a clinically recognized condition, it cannot be officially diagnosed by a doctor.
However, doctors may find evidence of this issue by using questionnaires and diagnostic scales for related conditions, such as ADHD or OCD.
Since there is no official way to diagnose maladaptive daydreaming, there is also currently no official treatment. However, that does not mean it is not treatable.
Currently, medical practitioners treat this condition by approaching it based on its similarities with related, albeit distinct, conditions.
The main treatment used for people struggling with maladaptive daydreaming is one also used for conditions like OCD and anxiety: cognitive behavior therapy (CBT).
In the context of maladaptive daydreaming, CBT aims to help people understand why they do it and what methods they can use to cope with it.
Depending on the case, other forms of mental health therapy may also offer some benefits for people struggling with maladaptive daydreaming.
If you think you may be suffering from maladaptive daydreaming, bear in mind that your doctor is the best person to advise you as to what might help.
Every individual is different, and your doctor will be able to consider your unique history and circumstances when recommending a treatment.
Sources: (Cleveland Clinic)
See also: How rising temperatures could worsen mental health
What is maladaptive daydreaming?
All about this unusual and debilitating condition
HEALTH Mental health
Do you ever find yourself lost in a daydream for a very long time? Perhaps even hours on end? Although it is not yet medically recognized, experts have a name for this condition: maladaptive daydreaming. It is unusual, potentially very debilitating, and researchers are currently learning more about it.
Curious? Check out this gallery to find out more.