Maladaptive daydreaming

Maladaptive daydreaming, also called excessive daydreaming, is when an individual experiences excessive daydreaming that interferes with daily life. It is a diagnosis proposed by Eli Somer for a disordered form of dissociative absorption, associated with excessive fantasy that is not recognized by any major medical or psychological criteria. Maladaptive daydreaming can result in distress, can replace human interaction, and may interfere with normal functioning such as social life or work. The term was coined in 2002 by Eli Somer of the University of Haifa, whose definition of the proposed condition is extensive fantasy activity that replaces human interaction and, or interferes with academic, interpersonal, or vocational functioning. There has been limited research outside of Somer's own work.