Maladaptive Daydreaming: Escaping Reality

Maladaptive daydreaming is a condition where people spend excessive amounts of time daydreaming, often to escape from negative emotions or trauma. It can impair social relationships and daily functioning. Daydreamers experience vivid and immersive daydreams that feel lifelike. The disorder is associated with dissociative absorption, intrusive thoughts, and body dysmorphic symptoms. Maladaptive daydreaming is more prevalent in women and overlaps with other conditions like OCD. Treatment options include mindfulness techniques, tracking daydreaming behavior, and possibly SSRIs. However, more research is needed to develop effective interventions for this disorder.