{"id":20616,"date":"2023-07-12T09:35:08","date_gmt":"2023-07-12T14:35:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20616"},"modified":"2023-09-06T07:17:38","modified_gmt":"2023-09-06T12:17:38","slug":"how-maladaptive-daydreaming-can-be-a-symptom-of-trauma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/explainer\/how-maladaptive-daydreaming-can-be-a-symptom-of-trauma\/","title":{"rendered":"How Maladaptive Daydreaming Can Be a Symptom of Trauma"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trauma isn&#8217;t just a momentary feeling. Unfortunately, the events and environments you experience when traumatized can cause you to develop more permanent psychological issues that may not show up until later in life. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK207191\/#:~:text=Delayed%20responses%20to%20trauma%20can,with%20the%20trauma%2C%20even%20remotely.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delayed responses aren&#8217;t always obvious<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, they can mask themselves as other seemingly unrelated issues, such as avoiding your feelings, constantly feeling tired, or anxiety that you can&#8217;t shake.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While trauma can isolate or make you feel alone in your pain, it&#8217;s not an uncommon experience \u2014 and though everyone&#8217;s response to trauma is different, many people experience its long-term effects. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ptsd.va.gov\/understand\/common\/common_adults.asp#\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Center for PTSD estimates that 5 out of every 100 people<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> struggle with it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maladaptive daydreaming is one of the ways that trauma can manifest itself. Therefore, understanding this phenomenon is crucial to treat it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What is maladaptive daydreaming?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;ve ever been lost in your thoughts, you understand the feeling of being in your own world. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/319400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maladaptive daydreaming (MD)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> describes this experience but with intensity and frequency, unlike typical daydreams. This is a new term coined in 2002 by Dr. Eli Somner. Currently, MD is not an officially recognized condition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medical experts consider MD as a symptom of underlying psychological issues such as trauma or anxiety. It can also be linked to other mental health conditions like depression and OCD but isn&#8217;t considered an exclusive symptom of any one condition.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Daydreaming vs. maladaptive daydreaming<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike regular daydreaming, MD is often involuntary and uncontrollable, sometimes lasting hours. Getting lost in this world can also make it hard to concentrate on day-to-day tasks and interfere with work, relationships, and social gatherings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other notable differences include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daydreaming usually occurs for a short period and is in your control. MD is more intense and lasts for a longer duration of time, making it harder to stop.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daydreaming often creates positive scenarios that help with problem-solving or creativity. MD can feature negative storylines that reflect experiences of trauma or anxiety.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular daydreaming is often a way to plan for the future, while MD may be used to escape reality.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re unsure what kind of daydreaming you&#8217;re experiencing, write down what you remember, what you felt, and, if possible, how long it lasted. This can give you something to fall back on and help doctors identify any patterns in your behavior.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Behaviors of maladaptive daydreamers<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because you&#8217;re not necessarily in your body as you&#8217;re taken on a mental ride, symptoms and behaviors of MD aren&#8217;t always obvious. However, knowing how they may manifest is essential so that friends and family can offer support.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sleepfoundation.org\/mental-health\/maladaptive-daydreaming#\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common behaviors associated with maladaptive daydreaming<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unconscious facial expressions;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repetitive body movements;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talking or whispering to yourself.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These physical reactions can give away your sudden shift into MD and indicate that something more serious is going on.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Possible complications of maladaptive daydreaming<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While daydreaming may seem innocent, there are complications <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/signs-you-may-be-using-an-unhelpful-coping-mechanism\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">when it becomes an unhelpful coping mechanism<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Short-term consequences include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guilt and shame associated with excessive daydreaming;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decreased productivity and procrastination;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty concentrating on tasks;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoidance of responsibilities;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased isolation;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long-term complications include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic procrastination;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Impaired academic or work performance;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Negative impact on personal relationships;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Addiction-like behavior towards daydreaming;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Financial difficulties due to lack of productivity;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poor mental health and increased risk of depression and anxiety;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s worth noting that not everyone\u2019s experience is severe or life-altering. For some people, MD manifests via low-intensity symptoms that don\u2019t interfere with their everyday functioning.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Research on maladaptive daydreaming<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While research is still in its infancy, more studies are on the rise. In a study by Front Psychiatry, temporal increases in MD were linked to increases in all other symptoms and negative emotions. The study suggests that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5962718\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MD and OCD coincide in a vicious cycle<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but more must be explored.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another study by the Journal of Clinical Psychology explored whether MD and ADHD were linked. The researchers discovered that among those with ADHD, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1002\/jclp.23355\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">only 20% qualified for MD diagnosis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This finding indicates that maladaptive daydreaming and ADHD are their own distinct inattention issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Possible causes of maladaptive daydreaming<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Again, every person is different, and not every case will be the same. That said, some of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/well-being\/sleep\/maladaptive-daydreaming\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most common causes of maladaptive daydreaming<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trauma can lead to an increased reliance on MD as an escape from reality.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MD can be used to avoid facing reality and difficult emotions or to avoid unpleasant tasks or responsibilities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Social isolation and feelings of disconnection often drive people to retreat into their own fantasies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When people are bored or feel unfulfilled, they may daydream to pass the time.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether big life changes or everyday pressure, high stress levels can increase reliance on daydreaming.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may experience one or more of these causes \u2014 no two cases of maladaptive daydreaming are the same.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>How trauma may contribute to the development of maladaptive daydreaming<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trauma and MD tend to go hand in hand. The National Library of Medicine conducted a study that examines the link between <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8403514\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">childhood experiences and cognitive patterns with excessive daydreaming<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The study revealed that those who excessively daydream and harbor negative thoughts experienced negative events during their childhood, resulting in fear or a sense of powerlessness. It\u2019s not hard to connect trauma and MD.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trauma increases stress levels and causes people to build coping mechanisms that may become excessive. With the added stress of MD, you must be careful if you have any other <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/common-health-conditions-worsened-by-stress\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">health conditions worsened by stress<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which may become exacerbated.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>How to manage maladaptive daydreaming<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While this condition is depleting, there are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/maladaptive-daydreaming-5194802#toc-treatments\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ways you can actively and successfully manage MD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/what-is-self-care-psychologically\/\"><b>Practicing self-care<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Make time for hobbies, unwind after a long day or week, socialize with family and friends, eat healthy meals, get plenty of rest, and exercise regularly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Practicing mindfulness<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This helps you stay in the present moment so that your mind doesn\u2019t wander away.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Finding distraction activities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Going for a walk, listening to music, watching television, or playing video games are all great ways to distract yourself healthily.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Self-affirmations<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Speak positive affirmations that help you focus on your strengths and achievements and boost your self-esteem.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond these, if you&#8217;re feeling overwhelmed, seek out professional help to discuss your symptoms and what possible medical treatments there are.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Benefits of managing maladaptive daydreaming<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though maladaptive daydreaming can be a difficult habit to break, there are many benefits to taking steps to manage it:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Developing healthier coping mechanisms:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You\u2019ll learn more effective ways of dealing with stress and difficulties and build resilience.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Improved focus<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: You\u2019ll be able to concentrate better on tasks and accomplish more throughout the day.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/healthy-grieving-how-to-cope-with-loss\/\"><b>Healthy grieving processes<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Managing MD will help you work more healthily through your feelings and emotions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Increased confidence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: With improved self-care routines, you\u2019ll gain more confidence in your abilities and a greater sense of self-worth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Better relationships:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Managing MD will help you become more present and build meaningful connections with others.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While it won&#8217;t be a fast or easy process, the end result is worth it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>How to treat underlying trauma<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to treating MD, it&#8217;s best to get to the root of your issues. Treating underlying trauma can be a valuable element of managing MD:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Psychotherapy\/counseling<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/therapist-counselors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seeing a therapist or counselor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help you work through trauma&#8217;s emotional and psychological aspects. They can also provide support and guidance on coping with triggers, flashbacks, and any other mental health issues.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cognitive Behavioral Therapy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/doctors\/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-near-me\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CBT helps change your thoughts, feelings, and behavior<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It can help you recognize unhealthy patterns and replace them with healthier coping mechanisms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Body-based therapies<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/doctors\/massage-therapists-licensed\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Massage therapy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or somatic experiencing are great options for helping to release physical tension held in the body from trauma.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Psychiatry<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/psychiatrists\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talking with a psychiatrist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help you explore any underlying medical issues, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, there&#8217;s no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment, but there is hope.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">Need a doctor? Find one on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/\">Zocdoc<\/a>.<\/h1>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Maladaptive daydreaming can be an overwhelming condition. Learn what it is and how to manage it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":20617,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[247],"tags":[12,71,104,106],"class_list":["post-20616","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-explainer","tag-anxiety","tag-therapy","tag-trauma","tag-treatment","reviewer-dr-nassim-assefi"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How Maladaptive Daydreaming Can Be a Symptom of Trauma - Explainer<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Maladaptive daydreaming can be an overwhelming condition. 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