Maladaptive Daydreaming Disorder: Difference between revisions

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[[Category:Psychiatric Terms]]
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[[Category:Psychiatric Terms]]


Maladaptive Daydream(ing) Disorder (MaDD) is a condition marked by excessive and persistent daydreaming as a coping mechanism. It's a way for those experiencing trauma, stress, or comorbid conditions to escape reality. MaDD is specifically a hinderance and is disruptive in ones life: inability to focus; intrusive thoughts; forgetting to eat, drink or shower; emotional outbursts in public due to scenarios within their [[paracosm]]; pacing or doing repetitive actions to the point of pain; etc.  
'''Maladaptive Daydream(ing) Disorder (MaDD)''' is a condition marked by excessive and persistent daydreaming as a coping mechanism. It's a way for those experiencing trauma, stress, or comorbid conditions to escape reality. It is typically considered a [[dissociative disorder]].
 
MaDD is specifically a hindrance and is disruptive in one's life: examples include inability to focus; intrusive thoughts; forgetting to eat, drink or shower; emotional outbursts in public due to scenarios within their [[paracosm]]; pacing or doing repetitive actions to the point of pain; etc.  


Daydreaming in general is not harmful and is a common occurrence, regardless of neurotype. Some individuals (especially within the Autistic groups) daydream to cope but it is not disordered to them; this is called [https://www.reddit.com/r/MaladaptiveDreaming/comments/d3s9zc/what_is_a_neuronarrator/ neuronarrating].  
Daydreaming, in general, is not harmful and is a common occurrence, regardless of neurotype. Some individuals (especially within the Autistic groups) daydream to cope but it is not disordered to them; this is called neuronarrating<ref>https://autisticworlds.tumblr.com/post/153905673680/new-terms-and-explanations</ref>.  


Maladaptive Daydreaming Disorder is not an official diagnosis in the DSM, nor can it be diagnosed. It is also known as Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD) or Daydreaming Disorder.
Maladaptive Daydreaming Disorder is not an official diagnosis in the DSM, nor can it be diagnosed. It is also known as Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD) or Daydreaming Disorder.
==Related Terms==
Maladaptive daydreamers are not inherently [[plurality|plural]], and [[system|systems]] are not inherently maladaptive daydreamers, but there are many overlaps between these experiences and communities. For example, many see MaDD as dissociative in nature, in line with other disorders like [[DID]], and many daydreamers and systems alike have complex inner worlds. Even if the former's paracosm feels more real than the outside world, however, it is still a fantasy; systems' [[headspace|headspaces]] are equally as real as the [[meatspace]]. They both may experience conversations and actions within their mind, which is often distracting.


Many systems that also daydream have a strong connection between their [[paracosm|paracosms]] and [[headspace|headspaces]], both with locations and members. A [[Dreamway|dreamway]] system is one where [https://madd-information.tumblr.com/post/185844631675/md-glossary paras] can enter the systems as [[parative|paratives]] or [[previme|previmes]], and existing [[headmate|headmates]] can visit those worlds. An entire system created through daydreaming is called [[paragenic]].  
==History==
The term "maladaptive daydreaming" (MD) was coined in 2002 by professor of psychology Eli Somer in his work "Maladaptive Daydreaming: A Qualitative Inquiry"<ref>https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1020597026919?LI=true</ref>, and developed the Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale (MDS)<ref>https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1053810015300611</ref>. His efforts have finally put to words what has been describing for decades, but is still a new perspective on what was often dismissed as simply being over-imaginative. It sits at an intersection of dissociation (due to the disconnect between reality and fantasy), a behavioral addiction (due to the calming, pleasurable escapism), an obsessive-compulsive symptom (due to the urge to daydream to ease anxiety), and lacking attention (due to the distraction of having an entire reality in one's head). There is a whole group of researchers dedicated to exploring MD called the ICMDR<ref>https://daydreamresearch.wixsite.com/md-research</ref>.
 
Because of the similarities between MD and other acronyms (MD for "medical doctor", MDD for "major depressive disorder", etc), online communities often use MaDD for the specificity.
 
== Related Terms ==
Maladaptive daydreamers are not inherently [[plurality|plural]], and [[system]]s are not inherently maladaptive daydreamers, but there are many overlaps between these experiences and communities.


==History==
For example, many see MaDD as dissociative in nature, in line with other disorders like [[DID]], and many daydreamers and systems alike have complex inner worlds. 
The term "maladaptive daydreaming" (MD) was coined in 2002 by professor of psychology Eli Somer in his work [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1020597026919?LI=true "Maladaptive Daydreaming: A Qualitative Inquiry"]. He also developed the [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1053810015300611 Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale (MDS)] and spurred research into this condition. It sits at an intersection of dissociation (due to the disconnect between reality and fantasy), a behavioral addiction (due to the calming, pleasurable escapism), an obsessive-compulsive symptom (due to the urge to daydream to ease an anxiety), and lacking attention (due to the distraction of having an entire reality in ones head). There is a whole group of researchers dedicated to exploring MD too, called the [https://daydreamresearch.wixsite.com/md-research ICMDR].
 
Even if the former's paracosm feels more real than the outside world, however, it is usually a fantasy, while systems' [[headspace]]s are equally as real as the [[meatspace]] all the time. They both may experience conversations and actions within their mind, which is often distracting.  
 
Many systems that also daydream have a strong connection between their [[paracosm|paracosms]] and [[headspace|inner worlds]], both with locations and members, seen in [[paracosmic]] or [[paratien]] systems. A [[dreamway]] system is one where [[para]]s can enter the systems as [[parative|paratives]] or [[previme|previme]], and existing [[headmate|headmates]] can visit those worlds. An entire system created through daydreaming is called [[paragenic]], and a system whose MaDD strongly impacts multiple system functions can be considered [[MaDDbased]].
 
==Gallery==
MaDD pride flag by flowerfallsyndrome on [[wikipedia:Tumblr|Tumblr]]<ref>https://flowerfallsyndrome.tumblr.com/post/611534640705044480/friend-could-you-make-a-madd-pride-flag-0-i</ref>. Cherry, the creator, cited Cherry's own experiences with MaDD when choosing the colors. "MaDD for me has always been a very Purple thing." The dark colors represent the struggles one faces with maladaptive daydreaming, but the lighter greenish blues are for hope.


Because of the similarities between MD and other acronyms (MD for "medical doctor", MDD for "major depressive disorder", etc), online communities often use MaDD for the specifity. Neurodiverse communities have embraced the concept of maladaptive daydreaming.
<gallery mode="packed">
MaDD pride flag by flowerfallsyndrome.jpg|alt=A flag made up of many vertical stripes, mostly cyan, indigo, and purple, varying in shade. The center is a white band with light blue stripes directly on either side.
</gallery>


==Flags==
==References==
MaDD pride flag created by [https://flowerfallsyndrome.tumblr.com/post/611534640705044480/friend-could-you-make-a-madd-pride-flag-0-i flowerfallsyndrome] on tumblr. [[File:MaDD pride flag by flowerfallsyndrome.jpg|right|top|350px|alt=A flag made up of many vertical stripes, mostly cyan, indigo, and purple, varying in shade. The center is a white band with light blue stripes directly on either side.]]
[[Category:Terms]]

Revision as of 21:02, 2 May 2023


maladaptive daydreaming disorder ( n.)
SynonymsMaDD (n.), MD (n.) Daydreaming Disorder (n.) Maladaptive Daydreaming (n.)
OriginPsychiatric term

Maladaptive Daydream(ing) Disorder (MaDD) is a condition marked by excessive and persistent daydreaming as a coping mechanism. It's a way for those experiencing trauma, stress, or comorbid conditions to escape reality. It is typically considered a dissociative disorder.

MaDD is specifically a hindrance and is disruptive in one's life: examples include inability to focus; intrusive thoughts; forgetting to eat, drink or shower; emotional outbursts in public due to scenarios within their paracosm; pacing or doing repetitive actions to the point of pain; etc.

Daydreaming, in general, is not harmful and is a common occurrence, regardless of neurotype. Some individuals (especially within the Autistic groups) daydream to cope but it is not disordered to them; this is called neuronarrating[1].

Maladaptive Daydreaming Disorder is not an official diagnosis in the DSM, nor can it be diagnosed. It is also known as Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD) or Daydreaming Disorder.

History

The term "maladaptive daydreaming" (MD) was coined in 2002 by professor of psychology Eli Somer in his work "Maladaptive Daydreaming: A Qualitative Inquiry"[2], and developed the Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale (MDS)[3]. His efforts have finally put to words what has been describing for decades, but is still a new perspective on what was often dismissed as simply being over-imaginative. It sits at an intersection of dissociation (due to the disconnect between reality and fantasy), a behavioral addiction (due to the calming, pleasurable escapism), an obsessive-compulsive symptom (due to the urge to daydream to ease anxiety), and lacking attention (due to the distraction of having an entire reality in one's head). There is a whole group of researchers dedicated to exploring MD called the ICMDR[4].

Because of the similarities between MD and other acronyms (MD for "medical doctor", MDD for "major depressive disorder", etc), online communities often use MaDD for the specificity.

Related Terms

Maladaptive daydreamers are not inherently plural, and systems are not inherently maladaptive daydreamers, but there are many overlaps between these experiences and communities.

For example, many see MaDD as dissociative in nature, in line with other disorders like DID, and many daydreamers and systems alike have complex inner worlds.

Even if the former's paracosm feels more real than the outside world, however, it is usually a fantasy, while systems' headspaces are equally as real as the meatspace all the time. They both may experience conversations and actions within their mind, which is often distracting.

Many systems that also daydream have a strong connection between their paracosms and inner worlds, both with locations and members, seen in paracosmic or paratien systems. A dreamway system is one where paras can enter the systems as paratives or previme, and existing headmates can visit those worlds. An entire system created through daydreaming is called paragenic, and a system whose MaDD strongly impacts multiple system functions can be considered MaDDbased.

Gallery

MaDD pride flag by flowerfallsyndrome on Tumblr[5]. Cherry, the creator, cited Cherry's own experiences with MaDD when choosing the colors. "MaDD for me has always been a very Purple thing." The dark colors represent the struggles one faces with maladaptive daydreaming, but the lighter greenish blues are for hope.

References