Maladaptive Daydreaming

Howdy! Recently, I discovered something called 'Maladaptive Daydreaming' and it interested me. So, I decided to do some research and have decided to share it here today!

What is Maladaptive Daydreaming?

Maladaptive daydreaming, also known as excessive daydreaming, is a psychological disorder discovered by Professor Eliezer Sommer of the University of Haifa in Israel. This condition creates intense daydreaming that distracts a person from real life. Many times, a real-life event can trigger a daydream.

Excessive daydreaming or fantasizing, usually to escape prior trauma and abuse. Accompanied by social anxiety and depression, alongside symptoms of Aspergers Syndrome, ADHD, or OCD.

Although entirely conscious that they are fantasizing, many have novel or movie-type fantasies, creating their own imaginary world with settings, intricate plots, and characters they may even grow emotionally attached to. They may even use an already existing fictional world, e.g. Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, The Hunger Games, and more.

Daydreaming VS Maladaptive Daydreaming

Daydreaming can consist of;

• Mind-wandering

• Taking a break from real life

• Helping to achieve goals

• Daydreaming is pleasant, however, real life is better

• Doesn't last long

However, Maladaptive Daydreaming can consist of;

• Immersion into an alternate reality

• Escaping an unpleasant reality

• Gets in the way of studies/work

• Daydreaming is the only source of happiness

• Can last for hours on end

Triggers and the Percentage of trigger chance

Like many psychological disorders, maladaptive daydreaming also has triggers with varying chances of the trigger working. Of course, it may also vary from person to person, but from research, these are a few triggers and the average percentage of it working.

Triggers of Daydreams Percentage of trigger chance

Listening To Music 90%

Hearing Music 61%

Watching Television 67%

Reading 65%

Browsing Social Media 33%

Watching Videos Online 51%

Surfing The Internet 39%

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