Cook’s FSD Dysregulation: Functional system regulation using a spiritual growth-oriented learning model 2.9

Cook’s FSD Dysregulation: Functional system regulation using a spiritual growth-oriented learning model. Nurture Their Nature Newsletter. T. Cook, 2023 Feb.: V.1 A.11

Those with maladaptive daydreaming may find it hard to pay attention in school or work, struggle with maintaining relationships, and experience negative emotions such as anger or shame about their daydreaming habits due to the excessive amount of time they spend lost in their own fantasies. Maladaptive daydreaming is a condition that can affect individuals of any neurodiverse status or background. Moreover, it is more commonly associated with individuals who have conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) [12 ]. Many individuals with ADHD or ASD may have difficulty with attention regulation and may find it challenging to engage in activities that are not inherently interesting or stimulating to them. This can make it easier for them to become absorbed in daydreams, especially if the daydream provides an escape from the demands and pressures of daily life [3 ].

In individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), the hyperfocus on a daydream may be a way of coping with unwanted or intrusive thoughts, providing a sense of control and predictability that can be soothing. Maladaptive daydreaming is a condition that involves excessive daydreaming that interferes with an individual's ability to function in daily life. People with this condition often create elaborate fantasy worlds and scenarios in their minds, and they may spend hours lost in their daydreams. One of the core symptoms of maladaptive daydreaming is distracted hyperfocus, which is a state of intense focus and absorption in an activity or thought that is so engrossing that it is difficult to disengage from it. In the case of maladaptive daydreaming, the hyperfocus is on a daydream, which can lead to difficulty with completing tasks or focusing on real-life responsibilities [8 ,6 ].?

Individuals with maladaptive daydreaming may find it hard to pay attention in school or work, may struggle with maintaining relationships, and may experience negative emotions such as anger or shame about their daydreaming habits [10 ]. They may also engage in repetitive behaviors such as pacing or rocking while they daydream. One reason individuals with maladaptive daydreaming may find it hard to pay attention in school or work is that they may become so absorbed in their daydreams that they lose focus on what is happening around them. This can make it challenging to concentrate on tasks, follow instructions, and retain information, all of which are crucial for academic and professional success. Additionally, the time spent daydreaming may take away from study or work time, further impacting their ability to excel in these areas [13 ].

Furthermore, individuals with maladaptive daydreaming may struggle to maintain relationships because their excessive daydreaming may interfere with their ability to connect with others. They may become so immersed in their fantasies that they neglect social interactions, leading to feelings of isolation and detachment from those around them [9 ]. Additionally, their daydreaming may be seen as odd or off-putting by others, leading to social stigma and further isolation. Finally, individuals with maladaptive daydreaming may experience negative emotions such as anger or shame about their daydreaming habits. They may feel angry about neglecting their responsibilities or ashamed about the content of their daydreams, which can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and self-worth [11 ,2 ].

The RAS (Reticular Activating System) is a network of nerve pathways located in the brainstem that plays a key role in regulating consciousness and alertness. It acts as a filter for incoming sensory information, determining which information is important and deserves attention, and which can be ignored [1 ]. The RAS is also involved in regulating sleep-wake cycles and in maintaining an appropriate level of arousal, which is important for tasks such as learning and problem-solving. In the context of maladaptive daydreaming, the RAS may play a role in the development of the condition by allowing certain daydreams or fantasies to capture an individual's attention and become overly salient or compelling [11 ].

Some theories suggest that maladaptive daydreaming may be related to a dysfunction or alteration in the functioning of the RAS. For example, it has been proposed that individuals with maladaptive daydreaming may have a hypersensitive RAS that is overly responsive to certain types of stimuli, such as emotionally charged or novel stimuli, making it more likely for them to become engrossed in daydreams [5 ].

The ACC (anterior cingulate cortex) and CHR (default mode network) are brain regions that have been implicated in a number of cognitive processes, including attentional control, mind wandering, and task switching [7 ,15 ]. Maladaptive daydreaming and hyper and hypo focusing are related to attentional control and mind wandering, and research has suggested that there may be a connection between these cognitive processes and the activity in the ACC and CHR [4 ]. Maladaptive daydreaming is a condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable daydreaming that interferes with daily functioning. Some studies have suggested that individuals with maladaptive daydreaming may have altered activity in the ACC, which plays a key role in attentional control [14 ]. Hyperfocusing and hypo focusing are also related to attentional control and may be associated with alterations in ACC activity. Hyperfocusing is a state in which an individual becomes intensely focused on a particular task or activity to the exclusion of other stimuli, while hypo focusing is a state in which an individual has difficulty maintaining attention on a task. Some studies have suggested that hyperfocusing may be associated with increased ACC activity, while hypo focusing may be associated with decreased ACC activity. Specifically, researchers have hypothesized that the ACC may be less able to suppress mind wandering in individuals with maladaptive daydreaming, which could contribute to their difficulty in focusing on real-world tasks [2 ,14 ].?

Note: Maladaptive daydreaming is not currently recognized as an official diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but it is an area of active research and is increasingly being recognized as a legitimate condition that can have significant impact on an individual's daily life.

Cook’s Call For Research?

It's important to note, however, that not all individuals with these conditions will necessarily experience maladaptive daydreaming, and individuals without any underlying neurodivergent condition can also experience the condition. The causes and mechanisms of maladaptive daydreaming are not yet fully understood, and research in this area is ongoing. Moreover,? research is needed to fully understand the role of the RAS in maladaptive daydreaming and its relationship to other factors such as attention regulation, emotional processing, and cognitive control. However, the relationship between ACC activity and attentional control is complex and not fully understood, and further research is needed to determine the precise nature of this relationship. While the ACC and CHR are believed to be involved in attentional control, mind wandering, and task switching, the precise relationship between these brain regions and maladaptive daydreaming and hyper and hypo focusing is still being explored. As a way of managing excessive daydreaming, as well as improving functioning in daily life, a combination of therapy, medication, and behavioral strategies may be used as part of treatment for maladaptive daydreaming, research needs to be conducted to examine the specific spiritual and religious nature of the RAS (including ACC, CHR) along with these behaviors. As well, spiritual practices as treatments such as nouthetic counseling in order for the Holy Spirit to move and convict the hearts and minds of believers and those suffering [a ]. This is one example of nouthetic counseling that would include the following .?

RAS Conviction of Understanding: The Holy Spirit can convict a person of their sins, revealing to them the areas where they fall short of God's standards and challenging them to turn away from those behaviors. Elohim is a Hebrew word used in the Bible to refer to God. It is a plural form of the word "El", which means "god" or "deity", but is also used to refer to other divine beings. The use of the plural form "Elohim" may suggest the idea of a plurality of persons within the Godhead, as understood in the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. Elohim is used in the creation account in Genesis 1, where it emphasizes God's power and sovereignty as the creator of the universe. It is also used throughout the Old Testament to describe God's character, authority, and activity in the world. Here are four ways to connect and know Elohim, watch your conviction, attention, and focus develop such as:

1. Hunger - will (Listen): God is attentive to the needs and desires of His people, and invites us to come to Him with our requests and petitions. Spend time in prayer, listening for God's voice and seeking His will.
2. Comfort and strength: God is a source of comfort and strength to those who trust in Him, providing support and encouragement in difficult times. Trust in God's strength and seek comfort in His presence through prayer and worship.
3. Eternal nature and faithfulness: God is eternal and unchanging, and His faithfulness to His promises endures forever. Meditate on God's faithfulness and the eternal nature of His love and grace.
4. Satisfaction and eternal life: God offers true and lasting satisfaction, and the promise of eternal life to those who believe in Him. Seek true satisfaction and fulfillment in God, and embrace the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

PONS Conviction of Righteousness: The Holy Spirit can also convict someone of their need for righteousness, prompting them to seek a deeper relationship with God and to live in accordance with His will. Adonai is a Hebrew word that means "Lord" or "Master". It is used to refer to God as the ruler and authority over all things. Used in Jewish tradition: In Jewish tradition, Adonai is one of the names used to refer to God. It is considered a respectful and reverent way of addressing God, and is often used in prayer and worship. Substitution with Yahweh: In some Jewish traditions, the name "Yahweh" (also spelled "Jehovah") is considered too holy to be spoken aloud. In these cases, Adonai is used as a substitute for Yahweh in prayer and scripture readings. Used in Christian tradition: Adonai is also used in Christian tradition as a way of addressing God. A way of acknowledging God's lordship over all things. Here are four ways to connect and know Adonai, watch your conviction, attention, and focus develop such as:

1. Repent-kindness: God is kind and compassionate towards those who turn from their sin and seek forgiveness. Confess your sins and turn away from them, and seek God's kindness and forgiveness.
2. Goodness and love: God is inherently good and loving, and demonstrates these qualities towards His creation. Seek to reflect God's goodness and love in your actions and attitudes towards others.
3. Power and sovereignty: God is all-powerful and rules over all things, both seen and unseen. Submit to God's authority and sovereignty, acknowledging Him as Lord over all.
4. Forgiveness and spiritual renewal: God offers forgiveness and spiritual renewal to those who confess their sins and turn to Him. Receive God's forgiveness and allow Him to renew your spirit through the power of the Holy Spirit.

THYMUS Conviction of Judgment: The Holy Spirit can bring a sense of urgency to someone's heart, impressing upon them the reality of judgment and the importance of making choices that align with God's will. Shaddai is a Hebrew word that appears in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in the book of Genesis. It is one of the names of God used in the Old Testament. The meaning of the word Shaddai is not entirely clear, but it is often translated as "Almighty" or "All-Sufficient." The word is sometimes associated with the idea of a powerful, nurturing mother, as well as a stern and just father. In Jewish tradition, the name Shaddai is often written on amulets and other objects as a form of protection. It is also sometimes used as a symbol of fertility and abundance. In Christian tradition, Shaddai is sometimes associated with the New Testament figure of Jesus Christ, and the name is also sometimes used in Christian hymns and liturgy. The one who is seen as embodying God's all-sufficient power and authority. Here are four ways to connect and know Shaddai, watch your conviction, attention, and focus develop such as:?

1. Thirst-purpose (see): God gives us a sense of purpose and direction in life, helping us to see the path that He has set before us. Seek God's purpose and direction for your life through prayer and study of His Word.
2. Every good work and word: God empowers His people to do good works and speak words of truth and life. Seek to do good works and speak words of truth and life that honor God and reflect His character.
3. Strength, encouragement, and solace: God is a source of strength, encouragement, and comfort to His people, especially during times of trial and difficulty. Lean on God's strength and seek encouragement and solace through prayer and fellowship with other believers.
4. True purpose and fulfillment in God: Our true purpose and fulfillment can only be found in a relationship with God, as we discover His plan and purpose for our lives. Seek to live a life that is focused on fulfilling God's purpose for your life.

ARAS Conviction of Truth: The Holy Spirit can reveal the truth about God's character, nature, and plan, helping someone to understand and embrace the gospel message in a deeper way. ARAS things about Jehovah- “ALL THINGS’ Paradise Jehovah is another name for God used in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. It is often translated as "The Lord" in English translations of the Bible. The name Jehovah comes from the Hebrew word for "I am," which is often used in the Bible as a way of describing God's eternal and unchanging nature. Jehovah is often associated with the idea of a personal and loving God who is actively involved in the lives of his followers. In Jewish and Christian tradition, he is seen as the creator of the universe and the source of all life. The name Jehovah has been used in various ways throughout history. It is also used throughout history to describe God, including as a symbol of resistance during times of persecution.??

1. Lament-compassion: God is compassionate towards His people when we experience grief, sorrow, or pain. Seek comfort and compassion in God's presence during times of grief, sorrow, or pain.
2. God's favor and blessings (in prayer of praise and thanksgiving): When we offer prayers of praise and thanksgiving to God, we can experience His favor and blessings in our lives. Offer prayers of praise and thanksgiving to God, and seek to live a life that honors Him in all things.
3. Authority, and activity: God is active in the world, exercising His authority and power in accordance with His will. Trust in God's activity and authority in the world, and seek to partner with Him in His work.
4. Gentleness and patience: God is gentle and patient towards His people, showing grace and mercy even when we fall short of His standards. Seek to reflect God's gentleness and patience towards others, showing grace and mercy in all your interactions.

For more information: www.myelbert.com ?2018, In-Text Citation: [a ] Cook T. Cook’s FSD Dysregulation: Functional System Regulation Using a Spiritual Growth-Oriented Learning Model; Feb; 2023; www.myelbert.com [b ] N T Nature - Helping Those with a Neurodiversity Enjoy Learning Again (Updated) Part I. Scribd; [c ] Cook’s Nurture Their Nature Part I. Methodology is shown in the outer columns, resultant data sets in the middle columns, and model systems in the center. ? 2003 Nature Publishing Group.?

References?

1. Arguinchona JH, Tadi P. Neuroanatomy, Reticular Activating System. [Updated 2022 Jul 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549835/
2. Bigelsen, J. A, et al. “Maladaptive Daydreaming: Evidence for an under-Researched Mental Health Disorder.” Consciousness and Cognition, Academic Press, 12 Apr. 2016, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1053810016300460 .?
3. Bozhilova, Natali S, et al. “Mind Wandering Perspective on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.” Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Sept. 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6525148/. ?
4. Hugdahl, Kenneth et al. “On the existence of a generalized non-specific task-dependent network.” Frontiers in human neuroscience vol. 9 430. 6 Aug. 2015, doi:10.3389/fnhum.2015.00430 Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4526816/ ?
5. Mariani, Rachele, et al. “Maladaptive Daydreaming in Relation to Linguistic Features and Attachment Style.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 30 Dec. 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8751151/ .?
6. Mariani R, Musetti A, Di Monte C, Danskin K, Franceschini C, Christian C. Maladaptive Daydreaming in Relation to Linguistic Features and Attachment Style. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022; 19(1):386. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010386
7. Mars, Rogier B, et al. “On the Relationship between the ‘Default Mode Network’ and the ‘Social Brain.’” Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 21 June 2012, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3380415/.?
8. Pietkiewicz, Igor J, et al. “Maladaptive Daydreaming as a New Form of Behavioral Addiction.” Journal of Behavioral Addictions, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Sept. 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6426361/ .?
9. Sándor, A., Bugán, A., Nagy, A. et al. Attachment characteristics and emotion regulation difficulties among maladaptive and normal daydreamers. Curr Psychol 42, 1617–1634 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-01546-5
10. Soffer-Dudek, Nirit, and Nitzan Theodor-Katz. “Maladaptive Daydreaming: Epidemiological Data on a Newly Identified Syndrome.” Frontiers in psychiatry vol. 13 871041. 27 Apr. 2022, doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.871041 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9091653/ ?
11. Soffer-Dudek, Nirit, and Eli Somer. “Trapped in a Daydream: Daily Elevations in Maladaptive Daydreaming Are Associated With Daily Psychopathological Symptoms.” Frontiers in psychiatry vol. 9 194. 15 May. 2018, doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00194. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5962718/ ?
12. Somer E, Soffer-Dudek N, Ross CA. The Comorbidity of Daydreaming Disorder (Maladaptive Daydreaming). J Nerv Ment Dis. 2017 Jul;205(7):525-530. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000000685. PMID: 28598955. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28598955/ ?
13. Somer, Eli, et al. “Heightened Levels of Maladaptive Daydreaming Are Associated with Covid-19 Lockdown, Pre-Existing Psychiatric Diagnoses, and Intensified Psychological Dysfunctions: A Multi-Country Study.” Frontiers, Frontiers, 30 Sept. 2020, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.587455/full.?
14. Theodor-Katz, Nitzan et al. “Could immersive daydreaming underlie a deficit in attention? The prevalence and characteristics of maladaptive daydreaming in individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.” Journal of clinical psychology vol. 78,11 (2022): 2309-2328. doi:10.1002/jclp.23355 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9790222/ ; Also see: Ashinoff, Brandon K, and Ahmad Abu-Akel. “Hyperfocus: The Forgotten Frontier of Attention.” Psychological Research, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Feb. 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7851038/ .?
15. Zhou, Xinqi, and Xu Lei. “Wandering Minds with Wandering Brain Networks.” Neuroscience Bulletin, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Dec. 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6246840/

#healing #love #prayer #meditation #selfcare #mentalhealth #health #mindfulness #adhd #wellness #ocd #neruodiversity #spirituality #motivation #spiritual #thymus #life #inspiration #energy #peace ?