It is noted that a person with inattentive traits may have been daydreaming since childhood to escape the things they are not interested in or are trying to avoid. There are some critical differences between the two conditions that can help us understand which one is which.įrequent daydreams due to inattention can be a part of the criteria stated in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for ADHD. Some of the inattention symptoms that people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can experience may include difficulty focusing on what they view as uninteresting and daydreaming.Īs both disorders (ADHD and maladaptive daydreaming) have daydreaming as a symptom, it can be challenging to figure out which one someone may have. Maladaptive Daydreaming VS Inattentive ADHD

It can be used as an escape to cope with a challenging life event, such as previous trauma or abuse. These fanciful daydreams can be a form of avoidance of reality. But the thing is, it’s maladaptive, meaning normal functioning can be affected. People experiencing maladaptive daydreams are prone to wander to different realities constructed by their minds. This can be the case for people who have maladaptive daydreaming.

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