They are easily distracted and seem unaware of their surroundings.īelow are more key similarities - and differences - between inattentive ADHD and maladaptive daydreaming.They get disproportionately upset by interruptions.

People with inattentive ADHD and MD share these symptoms: “In some cases presenting with ADHD symptoms, maladaptive daydreaming may better explain the clinical picture” than would an ADHD diagnosis, the study suggested, adding that improper diagnosis may have serious treatment implications. The study found that 21% of 83 participants with ADHD diagnoses also met the diagnostic criteria for MD. Because symptoms of inattentive ADHD and maladaptive daydreaming overlap, some patients may receive incorrect diagnoses, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology. Individuals with inattentive ADHD have trouble sustaining focus they are easily distracted and forgetful. People with maladaptive daydreaming have intentional, vivid, all-consuming daydreams that interfere with their daily functioning. But sometimes a wandering ADHD mind is mistaken for maladaptive daydreaming (MD), a condition that involves a different form of inattention. Individuals with inattentive ADHD (a subtype of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are often called “daydreamers” and chided for getting lost in their thoughts.

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