Idioneurosis is a term that refers to a psychological disorder or condition characterized by exaggerated or excessive daydreaming, fantasy, or indulging in reverie. It pertains to an individual's tendency to retreat into their inner world of thoughts, imagination, and mental distractions, often resulting in a detachment from the external reality.
This condition is typically marked by a preoccupation with one's own internal musings, daydreams, and fantasies, which can be vivid and elaborate. Individuals with idioneurosis may frequently engage in prolonged and intense introspection, escaping the demands of everyday life and social interactions. These individuals often exhibit a tendency to withdraw from external stimuli and may seem aloof or absent-minded in their interactions with others.
Idioneurosis is considered separate from other psychological disorders such as dissociation, as it primarily involves a self-directed mental preoccupation rather than a disconnection from one's own identity or surroundings. However, it can lead to difficulties in maintaining focus, concentration, and performing everyday tasks, as the individual becomes absorbed in their own thoughts and fantasies.
The term idioneurosis is primarily used within the field of psychology to describe this specific pattern of behavior. It derives from the Greek word "idios," meaning personal or private, and "neurosis," referring to a psychological disorder or mental disturbance. Idioneurosis is a unique condition that highlights the excessive involvement of an individual's own subjective thoughts, feelings, and imagination, often to the detriment of their daily functioning and engagement with the external world.
