This is a press release for new research possibly classifying maladaptive daydreaming as a dissociative disorder.
New Scientific “Position Paper” Advocates for Maladaptive Daydreaming to be Recognized as a Dissociative Disorder
A groundbreaking contribution to psychiatric literature calls for a pivotal change in the diagnosis and classification of dissociative disorders. The study titled “Maladaptive Daydreaming Should Be Included as a Dissociative Disorder in Psychiatric Manuals: A Position Paper”, accepted for publication in the prestigious British Journal of Psychiatry on November 24, 2024, marks a milestone for the field of Maladaptive Daydreaming as well as in the understanding of dissociative phenomena
This paper was authored by an international team of world-renowned dissociation experts, including a host of presidents and past presidents of dissociation-focused scientific societies. It was spearheaded by Professor Nirit Soffer-Dudek, former President of the International Society for Maladaptive Daydreaming (ISMD). Professor Soffer-Dudek is a passionate advocate for raising awareness about Maladaptive Daydreaming and a pioneering researcher in this field.
The article advocates for the inclusion of Maladaptive Daydreaming as a dissociative disorder in psychiatric diagnostic manuals, paving the way for greater recognition, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment of this often-overlooked yet highly debilitating condition.
Characterized by excessive, vivid fantasizing that disrupts daily functioning, the paper argues that Maladaptive Daydreaming has been shown to meet the criteria for defining it as a psychiatric syndrome, with clear dissociative features such as disconnection from reality and incoherent self-identity.
The paper outlines updated diagnostic criteria and presents evidence differentiating Maladaptive Daydreaming from other mental health conditions, arguing for its classification under dissociative disorders.
The endorsement of this stance by so many leading experts in the field of dissociation coupled with the publication in a highly prestigious journal in psychiatry will provide high visibility for the issue and is thus of crucial importance to the Maladaptive Daydreaming field. The paper emphasizes the urgent need for formal recognition to address this condition effectively.
Key Findings and Implications
- Validation and Awareness:
Future recognition of Maladaptive Daydreaming like the authors suggest, would validate the lived experiences of affected individuals, fostering greater awareness among healthcare providers, researchers, and the public. - Improved Diagnosis and Treatment:
More specific and stringent diagnostic criteria, as set forth in this paper, would enable more accurate diagnoses and pave the way for targeted interventions tailored to the unique challenges faced by individuals with Maladaptive Daydreaming. - Advancing Research:
The authors highlight that future formal inclusion in psychiatric manuals could stimulate further studies, driving advancements in understanding and managing this often-overlooked condition.
Professor Nirit Soffer-Dudek noted, “Formal recognition of Maladaptive Daydreaming is not just about assigning it a label. It’s about acknowledging the distress it causes and its unique characteristics – similarities and differences with other diagnostic categories, which will eventually create pathways for effective treatment and support.”
The full position paper is available here [link].