Imagine being so caught up in daydreams that they start to take over your reality. Maladaptive daydreaming can be more than just a distraction, it can impact your entire life.
Daydreaming is the refocusing of attention from outward surroundings to one's inner thoughts and feelings.(1) Whereas Maladaptive daydreaming is a behavior where a person spends an excessive amount of time daydreaming, often becoming immersed in their imagination. This behavior is usually a coping mechanism in people who have mental health conditions like anxiety. This condition can also often be a hindrance to their life. This is why it is termed as “Maladaptive” i.e. that this form of daydreaming could be a harmful way to deal with a problem getting in the way of your work, relationships, and hobbies.(2,3)
Dr. Sermed Mezher, a medical doctor from London recently shared a video on his Instagram speaking about this condition.
In the video, Dr.Sermed shared that in this condition people spend hours creating scenarios in their minds that are deep, complex, and emotional. He added that though it is commonly noted there is only a little research on it and it is not a psychiatric disorder and many patients admit that their social needs are met by creating these scenarios.
Dr.Sermed further explained that though it might seem odd that people create horrible scenarios like their family dying in a car crash, but this is because it is also thought to be a trauma response that allows the patients to prepare for the bad scenarios in case they actually happen.
Daydreams are a normal part of existence. Though occasionally annoying, they are usually enjoyable. Even if they can divert our attention from the work at hand, they have many advantages, including the capacity to organize our schedules, beat monotony, discover the purpose of our lives, and increase our creativity.
Even while maladaptive daydreams can be enjoyable, themes of violence, power, control, sex, incarceration, or rescue and escape situations are more common in them.(4)
The precise cause of maladaptive daydreaming is unknown to experts. But they believe it occurs because daydreaming that isn't healthy might serve as a coping method for issues like anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
This condition is most commonly seen in
Younger people, especially young adults and teenagers, and that it can also happen to children.
People who have experiences abuse or trauma especially during childhood.
It can also be noted in cases of
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Anxiety disorders.
Certain types of depression.
Dissociative disorders.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).(2,3)
The condition can be quite common, though its prevalence is difficult to measure due to a lack of widespread awareness and formal diagnostic criteria.
Dr. Sermed Mezher, Medical Doctor, London
Maladaptive daydreaming is characterized by daydreams that are extremely detailed and vivid, that are much more elaborate than typical ones, featuring complex plots and recurring characters like those in TV shows. People can lose themselves in these daydreams for hours on end, frequently beginning on purpose and may disconnect from the real world, experiencing a sense of detachment similar to dissociation.(2)
People with maladaptive daydreaming often prioritize their fantasies over social interactions, leading to disruptions in their social life, work, and personal goals. They commonly experience feelings of shame and guilt about how their daydreaming impacts their life. Daydreaming has the potential to become obsessive, almost like an addiction, and many people find it difficult to cut back on or give up daydreaming.(2)
Because maladaptive daydreaming isn't an official diagnosis yet, there’s no standard treatment.
The main treatment for maladaptive daydreaming is mental health therapy (psychotherapy). One of the most popular forms of therapy for illnesses like OCD, anxiety, depression, and dissociative disorders is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. CBT is a useful tool for helping those who engage in maladaptive daydreaming, understand why they do it and what they can do to manage it. Because many people who have maladaptive daydreaming also have related conditions like ADHD, treating the related conditions may also help.
Maladaptive daydreaming is a mental health condition, thus treating it on your own is challenging. The best course of action is to consult a mental health professional.(2)
Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
Get exposed to sunlight.
Record symptoms ans understand any triggers.
Confide in friends.(4)
Maladaptive daydreaming can profoundly affect one’s daily functioning and emotional well-being. By recognizing its signs and understanding its impact, individuals can take steps towards managing their daydreaming habits and improving their overall quality of life. Seeking support and implementing coping strategies can help address the challenges of maladaptive daydreaming and lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
References
1.https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-daydreaming-in-psychology-definition-disorder-quiz.html#:~:text=Daydreaming%20is%20the%20act%20of,Daydreaming%2C%20and%20Poor%20Attentional%20Control. (cited on 13/08/2024)
2.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23336-maladaptive-daydreaming (cited on 13/08/2024)
3.https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/maladaptive-daydreaming (cited on 13/08/2024)
4.https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mental-health/maladaptive-daydreaming (cited on 13/08/2024)
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