Is Maladaptive Daydreaming a Mental Disorder?

This video answers the question: Is Maladaptive Daydreaming a mental disorder? Also, I will discuss the relationship between Maladaptive Daydreaming and OCD, ADHD, and addiction. Maladaptive Daydreaming is a construct and not currently a mental disorder. It is not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). Maladaptive Daydreaming is characterized by highly structured daydreams, including those that have elaborate plots and fictional characters. The condition can yield enjoyment but also leads to a disruption of functioning, which has led to it being compared to substance use disorder. Some counselors diagnose individuals with Maladaptive Daydreaming with OCD or ADHD, because there is some overlap between Maladaptive Daydreaming and those disorders. There is no disorder in the DSM that features highly structured daydreams as a primary symptom.
Those with Maladaptive Daydreaming differ from those who have normal daydreaming in several ways. Those with Maladaptive Daydreaming spend an average of 56 – 57% of their waking hours daydreaming, compared to just 16% for those with normal daydreaming. Both those with and without the condition appear to have good control of the daydreaming when work or social demands would make the daydreaming extremely disruptive.
Over 80% of those with Maladaptive Daydreaming also have repetitive movements. Maladaptive Daydreaming is more strongly associated with obsessions than compulsions.

Bigelsen, J., Lehrfeld, J. M., Jopp, D. S., & Somer, E. (2016). Maladaptive daydreaming: Evidence for an under-researched mental health disorder. Consciousness and Cognition: An International Journal, 42, 254–266