Understanding Maladaptive Daydreaming

The scientific definition of imagination is; the ability to produce and simulate novel objects, sensations, and ideas in the mind without any immediate input of the senses. But imagination seems to exist at the intersection of magic and science. Our extensive history of oral and written storytelling has made other worlds. At times fictional characters are so complete we bestow them with unique cultures and languages. So the fuel of this creativity, our imagination, seems more mystical than scientific. 

Given that imagination is necessary for problem-solving, envisioning the future, memory, and creativity it’s rarely flagged as a negative behavior. But it can be. Maladaptive Daydreaming is when an individual experiences excessive daydreaming that interferes with daily life. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for those with maladaptive daydreaming to find help. The disorder is not officially recognized as a mental health condition. This could change. There has been an increase in research, a lot of which supports MD as a valid psychological problem. In this article, we will briefly cover what maladaptive daydreaming is. And where to find support.

An Introduction to Maladaptive Daydreaming

For many, a 2016 article in The Cut was their introduction to Maladaptive Daydreaming. It is well worth the read for anyone just learning about the condition. Reporter Alexa Tsoulis-Reay provides a brief history; from Eli Somer’s 2002 paper defining MD¹, to the extraordinary work of Jayne Bigelsen who (after reading Somer’s work) convinced her psychiatrist to write an anonymous case study of her ². Tsoulis-Reay concludes with the work of Cynthia Schupak who (along with co-author Bigelsen) expanded on the research³.

The article’s true value as an introduction though is the sensitive in-depth interview Tsoulis-Reay conducts with a 36-year old maladaptive daydreamer.

A Summary of Early Research

Early research in MD only dates back to 2002. These studies are important to understanding Maladaptive Daydreaming and the work behind classifying mental health conditions.

Somer (2002)

Somer’s 2002 study is of seminal importance. It named and brought the disorder to light. It is not without weaknesses, and these should be kept in mind when reading the work.

Results of diagnostic interviews, quantifiable questionnaires, and open-ended interviews came from six patients in a trauma practice. This is a small sample from a very select group. Noted in the Discussion of the study; there was “only rudimentary prior knowledge about the nature and extent of MD among these patients was available to the therapist/author.” 

Anyone interested in learning more about MD or simply charting professional understanding of mental health conditions would do well to start here. The work calls for more research. It also highlights the fact that shame is often why there are delays in recognizing mental health conditions. 

“The in-depth interview about a potentially embarrassing behavior would not have been possible were it not for the extensive trusting relationship these respondents developed with their therapist”.

Somer

Schupak and Bigelsen (2011)

This study offers a much larger pool of participants (90 individuals). Results showed extensive periods of highly structured, immersive imaginative experiences. Kinesthetic activity accompanied the fantasies of 79% of participants (kinesthetic refers to touching, doing, experiencing. Or physical activity; for example, pacing).

The 16-item Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale

This scale was developed by Somer,  Bigelsen, Lehrfeld, and Jopp. It’s been an important metric for recent research⁴. It asks questions regarding the frequency importance of daydreaming based on a percentage scale. The scale ranges from 0% (none) to 100% (extreme).

What Can Be Done

It can be difficult to work through a condition that is, as yet, not officially recognized as a mental health condition. It can lead to feelings of isolation and helplessness. There are some options, however. Moreover, as psychologists and society, in general, become more aware of conditions the treatment options will multiply.

Determining if You Have MD

The Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale was a big step for determining if patients have MD.

The site Choosing Therapy is not only a good resource for finding a therapist it also provides a straightforward list of symptoms of Maladaptive Daydreamers:

• Excessive time spent daydreaming (often several hours per day)
• Daydreaming is preferred over other tasks and activities
• The daydreams are about an ideal self/life/future that provides an escape from true reality
• Inability to focus, concentrate, or redirect attention away from daydreams
• Daydreams are used to escape reality and cope with difficult emotions
• Loss of control over daydreaming, not being able to stop or cut back
• Daydreams become more important than real life activities/relationships
• The person is upset, irritable, or unstable when they can’t daydream (withdrawals)
• Attempts to enhance daydreams with music, movies, porn, fan fiction, etc. (tolerance)
• Daydreams may be so vivid that a person moves, makes vocalizations or facial expressions while experiencing them

Treatment Options

As outlined above treatment options present a challenge. The disorder is still being studied and defined. But we do have some options for those who suspect they are Maladaptive Daydreamers.

Therapies

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) have been found to be beneficial treatments for MD. When looking for a therapist finding one who specializes in one of these could be beneficial. 

Fluvoxamine, an antidepressant known to help with Obsessive-Compulsive disorder has helped some people with MD. It is worth noting that OCD is a common co-occurring mental health disorder with MD. Links between the two are being studied. This should be discussed with your mental health professional.

Self Care

If you have read our article on rumination you will find there is a lot of crossover in the self-care recommendations 

• Begin a mindfulness practice; engage in guided meditations and breath awareness
• Reduce time spent participating in activities that enhance daydreams
• Get out more, attend events and meetups (distractions)
• Improve your real-life relationships; meet new people and strengthen your current relationships
• Find healthy outlets for stress and difficult emotions (such as exercise or artistic outlets)

Support Groups

Finding professional help for this condition is a challenge. Somer himself has acknowledged that much of the help for MD is found in online support groups. He has received several emails a week since his article was first published (in 2002) from people asking for help;

“It frustrates me to no end that there’s no response, no knowledge to offer them. For now, their only real source of help is online.”

The two primary online support groups are Wild Minds Network and Daydream in Blue. 

Comprehension and Compassion

As this disorder is relatively uncommon and still being studied it may seem an unnecessary subject of study for those who don’t suffer from it. But understanding maladaptive daydreaming and other lesser-known disorders helps in our collective efforts to produce more cooperative and positive societies. Comprehension is often the key to compassion. Below is an extensive list of sources and resources on this topic.

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Sources

1. Maladaptive Daydreaming: A Qualitative Inquiry, Eli Somer, Ph.D., Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, Vol. 32, Nos. 2/3, Fall 2002
2. Excessive daydreaming: a case history and discussion of mind wandering and high fantasy proneness, Cynthia Schupak, Jesse Rosenthal, Consciousness and Cognition, Vol 18, Issue 1, March 2009
3. Compulsive fantasy: Proposed evidence of an under-reported syndrome through a systematic study of 90 self-identified non-normative fantasizers, Bigelsen,Schupak, Consciousness and Cognition, Vol 20, Issue 4, December 2011
4. The 16-item Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale (MDS-16), Eli Somer, Jayne Bigelsen, Jonathan Lehrfeld & Daniela Jopp

Further Reading

When Daydreaming Replaces Real Life, Jayne Bigelsen and Tina Kelley, The Atlantic

Links for Support

1. Wild Minds Network
2. Daydream in Blue