Should I See a Therapist for my Maladaptive Daydreaming?
It depends. Maladaptive Daydreaming doesn’t fit criteria for any diagnosable mental disorders within the DSM 5. Because of this, only you can decide if seeking professional help is necessary. An indicator that you should seek help is if it interferes with living and leading a productive life. For example, if spending hours daydreaming takes precedence over things like hygiene, meeting deadlines for work/school, social interactions, etc., consider reaching out for help.
What is Maladaptive Daydreaming?
Maladaptive Daydreaming is excessive fantasizing, becoming highly distractive, and interfering with daily living.
What Makes Maladaptive Daydreaming Different From Daydreaming?
There are a few markers that make Maladaptive Daydreaming unique:
- The elaborate nature of one’s daydream.
- There is a preference for daydreaming over reality.
- For some, movements and vocalizations are common factors in a maladaptive dream state.
- The amount of time spent daydreaming. Some folks have reported spending hours in their daydreams
Is My Maladaptive Daydreaming Bad?
It depends. “Bad” really depends on the individual’s perception. Consider the following thought exercise to gauge your feelings on your Maladaptive Daydreaming:
- I use daydreaming to […].
- If I had the opportunity to stop daydreaming, I would […].
- My daydreaming interferes with […].
- I often daydream when […].
- Daydreaming helps me to […].
If your responses don’t sit well with you, that’s probably an indicator that your daydreaming concerns you, and you may want to consider taking action.
Why Do I Maladaptive Daydream?
There are many reasons folks engage in Maladaptive Daydreaming. The most common reasons are:
- It’s a form of escapism from one’s reality.
- It’s a childhood habit used to cope with trauma or emotional distress.
Additional answers can be found in your maladaptive daydreams. Ask yourself the following: In my daydreams, I am…
- Responsible for?
- Able to […].
- Similar to my real-life persona in that I […]
- Different from my real-life persona in that I […]
- Able to get my emotional needs met when […]
How Do I Stop My Maladaptive Daydreaming?
- Consider behavioral interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing with a qualified mental health practitioner.
- Join a support group.
- Identify your triggers by keeping a thought diary to document any themes, etc., within your Maladaptive Daydreams. Use your findings to help identify specific needs and the tools needed to overcome them.
Additional Resource: Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale
Consider this helpful tool to provide additional insight into your Maladaptive Daydreaming— The 16-item Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale (MDS-16).