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Maladaptive Daydreaming, Dissociation, and the Dissociative Disorders
Colin A Ross1, Jane Ridgway1, Nevita George1
1The Colin A. Ross Institute for Psychological Trauma Richardson Texas.
Psychiatric Research and Clinical Practice
|September 14, 2022
Summary
Maladaptive daydreaming is common in psychiatric patients with dissociative disorders. This study found high rates of maladaptive daydreaming and related comorbidities in this population, highlighting its significance in complex dissociative disorders.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Maladaptive daydreaming is known to co-occur with dissociative disorders.
- The reciprocal relationship between maladaptive daydreaming and dissociation has not been previously studied.
- Understanding this relationship is crucial for individuals with complex dissociative disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of maladaptive daydreaming in psychiatric inpatients.
- To assess patients with high levels of dissociation.
- To explore the comorbidity between maladaptive daydreaming and dissociative disorders.
Main Methods:
- 100 inpatients from a specialized dissociative disorders program participated.
- Standardized assessments included the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) and Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale-16 (MDS-16).
- Interviews and questionnaires assessed dissociative disorders and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Main Results:
- 93% of participants reported a history of childhood abuse.
- High rates of dissociative disorders (DID, Other Specified) and maladaptive daydreaming were observed.
- Individuals with maladaptive daydreaming showed significantly higher scores across various symptom clusters.
Conclusions:
- Maladaptive daydreaming is prevalent and under-recognized in highly traumatized, dissociative inpatients.
- It represents a significant aspect of complex dissociative disorders.
- Further research and clinical attention are warranted for maladaptive daydreaming in this population.
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