Phenomenological analysis of maladaptive daydreaming as a new form of behavioral addiction: A case series

Abstract

Behavioral addiction has been defined as a repeated behavior which is perceived as pleasurable and which persists over a significant period, is not reduced by the person, and leads to significant functional impairment. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, the only condition that is currently included in the category for behavioral addiction is gambling disorder, while internet gaming disorder included in Appendix III as a potential addition to the category. However, recent research in the field of behavioral addiction has reported several other maladaptive behaviors, a significant one of them being maladaptive daydreaming (MD). Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) has been described as engagement in fanciful daydreaming for hours, leading to neglect of real-life relationships and responsibilities, resulting in clinical distress and functional impairment. This case series describes two cases of “MD” referred to the behavioral addiction clinic of the psychiatry outpatient department of a tertiary hospital in North India from a phenomenological perspective.