User:Theplayer28/Maladaptive daydreaming

Cause

Reasons behind maladaptive daydreaming are unclear to experts, however they have identified certain associations from maladaptive daydreaming within other conditions. According to "Harvard Health" individuals who experience maladaptive daydreaming may showcase traits similar to people with behavioral addictions, such as internet gaming for long periods of time. An example of this is they may feel the need to escape from difficult real-life challenges, such as social anxiety or childhood trauma, using daydreaming as a coping mechanism to tackle seemingly insurmountable problems in reality, experiencing intense stress over their inability to control their daydreaming habits, finding daydreaming so effective that stopping becomes challenging, and displaying dissociative tendencies, such as intense focus on internal thoughts or a lack of trust in their senses. In a case study, one individual suffering from maladaptive daydreaming had described feelings of shame, fear, and a difficulty expressing their desires. They associated these emotions with a sense of trauma, even though they lacked symptoms of PTSD. This individual

• Was bullied in school
• Had home issues including being neglected
• Believed that high levels of stress and emotional support deficits made it difficult for social interactions and as a result made it hard to speak on their needs

Reference: Cirino, Erica. “Maladaptive Daydreaming: Scale, Symptoms, and Treatments.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 26 Jan. 2024, www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/maladaptive-daydreaming#causes.

Symptoms

Maladaptive daydreaming manifests primarily through daydreaming-related symptoms, which generally fall into two main categories: daydreaming behaviors and emotional responses to daydreaming.

Daydreaming Behaviors

Maladaptive involves the following characteristics:

1. Intensity: Daydreams are highly vivid and detailed, which are more intense than typical daydreaming experiences
2. Complexity: Daydreams often contain elaborate storylines, with recurring characters similar to those in a television series.
3. Duration: Individuals may engage in daydreaming sessions lasting for extended periods, sometimes spanning hours.
4. Intent: Daydreaming may be initiated deliberately by individuals.
5. Disconnection: Some individuals experience such immersive daydreaming that they become detached from their surroundings, similar to dissociation—a coping mechanism observed in individuals with severe anxiety, depression, or a history of trauma

Emotional Responses to Maladaptive Daydreaming

Those affected by maladaptive daydreaming often contend with negative emotions and adverse impacts, including:

1. Social Disruption: Individuals may choose daydreaming over social interactions, resulting on a withdrawal from social activities.
2. Interference with Responsibilities: Maladaptive daydreaming can impede work, academic pursuits, and other personal goals.
3. Shame and Guilt feeling: Many individuals experience remorse or self-blame due to the interference of daydreaming in their lives.
4. Compulsive Daydreaming: Some individuals develop a compulsive need to engage in maladaptive daydreaming, experiencing distress if unable to indulge in it. Research suggests parallels between this compulsion and addictive behavior.
5. Control or Reduce Daydreaming: Efforts to control or reduce daydreaming altogether are common among individuals experiencing with maladaptive daydreaming.

Reference

professional, Cleveland Clinic medical. “Maladaptive Daydreaming: What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23336-maladaptive-daydreaming#:~:text=A%20note%20from%20Cleveland%20Clinic,mental%20health%20conditions%20or%20circumstances. Accessed 22 Apr. 2024.

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How to stop maladaptive daydreaming?

If your daydreaming is causing significant distress or interfering with your daily function, talk to your doctor. Maladaptive daydreaming is more than just a habit; it is a strong compulsion comparable to an addiction. Seeking help is important because it can be difficult to manage on your own.

Treatment for maladaptive daydreaming should be personalized based on your individual needs and health history. There is no standard treatment for maladaptive daydreaming, but treating other associated mental health conditions can help. Treatment options for these may include psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy and anti-anxiety, antidepressant or antipsychotic medications.

Improving your mental and physical health helps not only to treat but also to prevent maladaptive daydreaming. Other preventive strategies include:

• improving sleep quality
• establishing a healthy diet and exercise routine
• reducing stress
• getting exposure to sunlight
• breathing exercises
• seeking support from friends and family

Maladaptive daydreaming in media

With an emphasis on behavioral aspects, this thesis investigates the connection between media intake and maladaptive daydreaming. To comprehend the potentially addictive nature of daydreaming and media use, it synthesizes research from the fields of psychology, neurology, cultural studies, and media studies. This research examines three aspects of maladaptive daydreaming patterns: media usage as a catalyst, media use as a supplement to daydreaming, and online media use patterns associated with maladaptive daydreaming. Online questionnaires and platforms are used in quantitative research to find maladaptive daydreamers. The results show that people who are more easily agitated by media tend to be more seriously maladaptive daydreamers. Furthermore, daydreaming is linked to internet browsing and music listening more frequently. The thesis outlines the connection between media consumption and maladaptive daydreaming and makes recommendations for further study.

References - Daydreaming, Maladaptive. “What Is Maladaptive Daydreaming?” Stop Maladaptive Daydreaming, Stop Maladaptive Daydreaming, 23 Aug. 2023, maladaptivedaydreaming.org/blogs/md/what-is-maladaptive-daydreaming.

-Jennifer Fisher, MMSc. “Maladaptive Daydreaming: What It Is and How to Stop It.” Harvard Health, 9 Jan. 2024, www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/maladaptive-daydreaming-what-it-is-and-how-to-stop-it.

-professional, Cleveland Clinic medical. “Maladaptive Daydreaming: What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23336-maladaptive-daydreaming.

Uslu. “Digitalgeorgetown Home.” DigitalGeorgetown Home, Georgetown University, 1 Jan. 1970, repository.library.georgetown.edu/handle/10822/760821.