So-called maladaptive daydreamers compulsively engage in vivid fantasies and daydreaming plots so excessively that it interferes with their ability to function in daily life.
Daydreaming is a form of spontaneous, self-generated thought that occurs when a person’s mind is not fully focused on the task or environment at hand. It is often associated with a relaxed state of mind and can involve a wide range of content, such as planning future events, revisiting past memories, or engaging in fantastical or fictional scenarios. While daydreaming is a normal and common experience, excessive or frequent daydreaming can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or depression. Some research also suggests that daydreaming may have cognitive benefits, such as improving problem-solving skills and creativity.