A behavior in which a person spends an excessive amount of time daydreaming, usually becoming immersed in their imagination, is called maladaptive daydreaming. In most cases, this is a coping mechanism used by people with mental health conditions (such as anxiety). Sometimes, this behavior can disrupt work, hobbies, or friendships and relationships.
In other words, this behavior is a mental disorder in which a person daydreams excessively (sometimes for a few hours). The medical term “maladaptive” means the type of daydreaming that is unhealthy or a negative attempt to cope with a problem. Moreover, those who suffer from maladaptive daydreaming are at increased risk of “losing themselves” in vivid and detailed daydreams. According to some research, this type of daydreaming is often compulsive that means it is uncontrollable.
In addition, maladaptive daydreaming may overlap with other mental and neurological disorders. Generally, some experts suggest that it is different from other health conditions and should be declared as a separate condition.
This medical term, maladaptive daydreaming, is relatively new. It comes from a clinical psychology professor in Israel (Eli Somer) who coined this term in 2002.
Nowadays, it is challenging to estimate how many people have this condition because it is not an officially recognized disorder yet. However, some studies estimate that maladaptive daydreaming affects about 2.5% adults in Israel and 4.3% for younger adults who are students. Another study has estimated that this condition negatively affects about 20% of adults with ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). As a result, it could affect at least 2.2 million people in the U.S.
How Does This Condition Affect My Body?
This is a problem that affects a person’s mind. Generally, the mind is a combination of memories, experiences, thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. It is important to understand that the mind and brain are not the same thing. The brain is a physical part of the body that generates all the elements that make up your mind. However, some healthcare providers suspect that this condition also involves differences in the affected person’s brain. For example, in people with ADHD, there are some differences in their brains. Those areas often control executive functions (including decision-making, planning, and self-motivation).
Furthermore, people who suffer from maladaptive daydreaming also seem to have problems with executive functions, which often means an overlap between maladaptive daydreaming and ADHD.
Symptoms
The symptoms of this condition are divided into 2 categories: daydreaming behavior and how a person feels about their daydreaming. Check some examples below:
Daydreaming Behavior
- Intensity – The daydream is extremely vivid and detailed, much more than a standard daydream.
- Complexity – When these daydreams occur, they usually have elaborate plots, and most people have characters they imagine repeatedly (much like characters in a TV show).
- Duration – A daydream can last up to several hours.
- Intent – Sometimes, people with this condition may start daydreaming intentionally.
- Disconnection from what is happening around them – Those who have daydreams are often disconnected from the world around them. It often results from a severe form of anxiety, depression, or a history of abuse or trauma.
How Are They Feeling?
Usually, the negative feelings caused by maladaptive daydreaming often take the following forms. For example:
- Problems with social activities – Usually, people with maladaptive daydreaming choose to daydream instead of spending time with other people.
- Disruptions in work, hobbies, and other pursuits – Daydreams may also cause problems with studying, work, or reaching goals.
- Shame and guilt – In some cases, people with maladaptive daydreaming may feel bad about doing it.
- Compulsively daydreaming – According to some research, maladaptive daydreams are similar to an addiction. For instance, a person may feel upset because of missed daydreams.
- Attempts to stop or daydream less – Those who suffer from this condition often struggle to daydream less or even stop completely.
If you experience any of the previous symptoms, do not hesitate to visit a doctor, especially if daydreams interfere with your daily activities.
Causes
Nowadays, healthcare providers do not fully understand why this condition occurs. Some of them suspect is happens as a coping mechanism for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. In addition, this is a mental health problem that is not contagious. Furthermore, it is not possible to prevent it. However, there are some options that may help reduce the symptoms.
Diagnosis
In general, there are no specific tests that can diagnose maladaptive daydreaming because it is not considered a condition. However, some clinicians may recognize signs of this mental health problem by using specific questionnaires and diagnostic scales that are related to disorders such as ADHD, OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), anxiety, depression, and certain dissociative disorders. Sometimes, they may also use the Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale-16 (MDS-16), which may help identify more signs of this condition.
Treatment
The primary treatment for maladaptive daydreaming is a type of psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Furthermore, it is the most commonly used treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), ADHD, anxiety, major depressive disorder, and some types of dissociative disorders. In general, CBT helps people understand why they do it and how to manage it. Doctors may also recommend some medicines used to treat ADHD because maladaptive daydreaming is often associated with this mental disorder.
Home Remedies
Usually, it is difficult to manage this condition on your own. That’s why it is recommended to visit a doctor if you experience signs or symptoms of maladaptive daydreaming. They can teach you techniques to manage the symptoms and recommend some medicine combinations to treat related disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it last?
In general, it seems to be lifelong. That’s why the treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms. It often includes lifestyle changes, medicines, and mental health therapies.
What is the outlook for this condition?
While this mental health problem itself is not dangerous, it may occur along with other mental health conditions that increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and other problems. For more details, discuss it with your doctor.
Is maladaptive daydreaming just dissociation?
Yes, this mental health problem is considered a type of dissociation, which is characterized by intense, immersive fantasies that disconnect the affected person from reality. Experts think it occurs as a coping mechanism for severe stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other mental health problems. If you have any other questions, ask your healthcare provider.
