By: Anushka
Abstract
WHAT? Maladaptive daydreaming is a condition where one disassociates from reality and may act out what is happening in their daydreams.
WHY? People may engage in maladaptive daydreaming as a response to depression, anxiety, or trauma. Maladaptive daydreaming may develop as a coping strategy, as the inner world may feel safer than the
experience happening outside.
Many individuals with maladaptive daydreaming have a history of childhood trauma, abuse or emotional distress, and certain traits, such as high creativity and absorption, might predispose individuals to engage in it.
TRIGGERS: These daydreams may be triggered by real-life events or stimuli, such as a noise, smell, conversation topic, or movie.
SYMPTOMS: A person can exhibit one or more symptoms of maladaptive daydreaming, including:
● Intense, vivid daydreams that present as a story, with characters, settings, and plotlines
● Unconscious facial expressions, repetitive body movements, or talking or whispering that
accompany daydreams
● Daydreams that last for several minutes to hours
● A strong or addictive desire to keep daydreaming
● Trouble focusing and completing daily tasks due to daydreams
● Trouble sleeping
COMPLICATIONS of Maladaptive Daydreaming:
● Person dissociates from the world around them, negatively impacting their relationships, work
or school performance, sleep, and daily life.
● People may end up neglecting their relationships and responsibilities in the real world, causing
them emotional distress.
● Poor sleep can cause sleep deprivation, which impairs one’s ability to focus, concentrate, and
pay attention
● Shame or guilt. One might feel bad about daydreaming, especially if it messes with other parts of
the life.
Difference Between Daydreaming and Maladaptive Daydreaming?
Daydreams are a normal part of existence. While they can distract us from the task at hand, they offer several benefits, such as the ability to plan future events, relieve ourselves from boredom, find meaning in our life’s story, and boost our creativity. They occur typically in mind, i.e. not visible outwards.
Maladaptive dreamers may dissociate from reality to absorb themselves completely in their daydream and may unknowingly act out the behavior or speak the dialogue of characters in their daydream. The content of daydreams can be richly detailed and fantastical, while others feature an idealized version of
the daydreamer.
DIAGNOSIS: Typically, treatment focuses on reducing the likelihood of experiencing a maladaptive
daydream through better sleep and symptom management.
● Improve the Quality of Your Sleep; Adopting better sleep habits can improve your sleep quality and potentially have an impact on maladaptive daydreaming.
Set and follow a regular sleep schedule every day of the week, even weekends
● Reduce Fatigue During the Day; Expose yourself to natural sunlight throughout the day, especially in the morning. Consider consuming caffeine for an extra boost, but in limits.
● Consider Therapy; A therapist can help you process any underlying trauma and perhaps identify what’s triggering your maladaptive daydreaming. They can also recommend specific strategies for managing your symptoms.
● Practice mindfulness. By drawing attention try to gain greater control over dreaming tendencies, It made me more conscious of triggers such as soap operas, intense conversations, conflicts with
relatives, along with the sensations experienced during daydream episodes.
REFERENCES:
● Maladaptive Daydreaming: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Tips, Dr. kara bagot,
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mental-health/maladaptive-daydreaming
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