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Introducing maladaptive daydreaming - Maladaptive daydreaming happens when someone spends much longer than normal in a daydream. Sometimes they may daydream for hours on end.

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Coping mechanism - Although not yet a medically recognized condition, maladaptive daydreaming is believed to be a coping mechanism for people with mental health conditions such as anxiety.

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The term "maladaptive" - Indeed, the term "maladaptive" is supposed to indicate a negative or unhealthy attempt to cope with or address a problem.

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Debilitating -

Maladaptive daydreaming can be very debilitating, and people who struggle with it may find that it interrupts their work, friendships, and relationships.

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Overlap -

While it may overlap with other mental health and neurological conditions, there is evidence to suggest that maladaptive daydreaming is a distinct problem and should be treated as such.

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Symptoms -

The symptoms of maladaptive daydreaming all center around daydreaming itself, and they can be divided into two categories: daydreaming behavior, and how the person feels about it.

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Intensity - In terms of daydreaming behavior, there are certain characteristics of a daydream that suggest it may be maladaptive. The first is intensity–they may be very vivid and detailed.

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Complexity - Maladaptive daydreams are often much more complex than a normal daydream. They often have elaborate plots and characters who feature in more than one dream.

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Duration -

Crucially, maladaptive daydreaming can go on for much longer than a normal period of daydreaming. The people worst affected can do it for hours at a time.

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Intent and disconnection - Finally, there is intent and disconnection. People can generally daydream in this way on purpose, and it can cause them to completely disconnect from the world around them.

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Negative feelings - People who struggle with maladaptive daydreaming often have negative feelings about their condition and this can impact their lives in several ways.

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Guilt -

Firstly, there may be feelings of guilt or shame. People with this condition often feel embarrassed about what they are experiencing, especially if it interferes with their normal life.

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Disruption to normal life -

Indeed, people who have maladaptive daydreaming may choose to daydream instead of spend time with others, or spend time on their work or studies.

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Compulsion - Some people may also experience a need or compulsion to daydream, and they may feel upset or in pain if they do not have the opportunity to do so.

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Existing research - Indeed, there is some existing research that suggests maladaptive daydreaming can be akin to an addiction.

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Attempts to daydream less -

Finally, some who experience maladaptive daydreaming may spend considerable amounts of time trying to daydream less, often to no avail.

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Cause -

It is not yet understood what causes maladaptive daydreaming. However, it is believed to be a response to mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.

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Risk groups -

Indeed, research suggests that the incidence of maladaptive daydreaming is higher in people who have already been diagnosed with a condition that affects their mental health.

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Age -

Age could be a contributing factor, too. Some research shows that maladaptive daydreaming may be more common in younger people, especially young adults and teenagers.

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Trauma or abuse -

Finally, there may be a connection between maladaptive daydreaming and having a history of trauma or abuse.

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Not all sufferers - Indeed, many people who struggle with this issue have a history of trauma or abuse, perhaps in their childhood. However, this is not something common to all sufferers.

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Diagnosis -

Since maladaptive daydreaming is not yet a clinically recognized condition, it cannot be officially diagnosed by a doctor.

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Finding clues -

However, doctors may find evidence of this issue by using questionnaires and diagnostic scales for related conditions, such as ADHD or OCD.

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Treatment -

Since there is no official way to diagnose maladaptive daydreaming, there is also currently no official treatment. However, that does not mean it is not treatable.

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Similar conditions -

Currently, medical practitioners treat this condition by approaching it based on its similarities with related, albeit distinct, conditions.

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CBT -

The main treatment used for people struggling with maladaptive daydreaming is one also used for conditions like OCD and anxiety: cognitive behavior therapy (CBT).

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How it works -

In the context of maladaptive daydreaming, CBT aims to help people understand why they do it and what methods they can use to cope with it.

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Other forms of therapy -

Depending on the case, other forms of mental health therapy may also offer some benefits for people struggling with maladaptive daydreaming.

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The bottom line -

If you think you may be suffering from maladaptive daydreaming, bear in mind that your doctor is the best person to advise you as to what might help.

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Each case is unique -

Every individual is different, and your doctor will be able to consider your unique history and circumstances when recommending a treatment.

Sources: (Cleveland Clinic)

See also: How rising temperatures could worsen mental health

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