maladaptive daydreaming

https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/maladaptive-daydreaming?fbclid=IwAR0o5CVoWJc-cyYQHN2Ms6jxqtSkSrTQpSOjKCLtp6ZoQwBXbiYppGGDqnI #treatments

>definition: a psychiatric condition identified by professor eliezer SOMER of the university of haifa in israel characterized by INTENSE DAYDREAMING that DISTRACTS the person from their REAL life triggered by real life situations including: conversation topics, sensory stimuli (e.g., noise or smell), & physical experiences (not yet part of DSM-5 & no official treatment)

>common symptoms:

--extremely VIVID daydreams (dd) with their own characters, settings, plots, & other detailed, story-like features

--dds triggered by real-life events

--difficulty completing everyday TASKS

--OVERWHELMING DESIRE to continue dd

--while dd: performing repetitive movements, whispering & talking

--LENGTHY (from minutes to hours)

>cause: experts not yet sure

>measure: MDS = Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale by Somer

--5 key characteristics: 1. content & quality of dreams 2. COMPULSION 3. distress 4. perceived benefits, & 5. INTERFERENCE in daily activities

NB: often misdiagnosed as psychosis but dreamers can differentiate REALITY vs fantasy! 

>comorbidities: ADHD, D, OCD

NB: not yet understood how they are related to dd

>TX: FLUVOXAMINE (Luxor) c/o 1 study, support group, online fora like Daydream In Blue & Wild Minds Network 

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