What is Maladaptive Daydreaming? Maladaptive Daydreaming Disorder or MADD For short.
Maladaptive daydreaming , also known as excessive daydreaming , is a disordered form of dissociative absorption associated with vivid and excessive fantasy activity that often involves elaborate and fanciful scenarios.
A breakdown/symptoms:
- highly vivid and immersive daydreams
- abnormally long daydreams that are hard to escape
- an inability to carry out daily tasks
- daydreams triggered by external events or stimuli, such as watching a film or listening to music
- sleep disruption and insomnia
- repetitive and unconscious movements when daydreaming, such as rocking back and forth or twitching
What Maladaptive Daydreaming IS NOT and is sometimes confused with:
Schizophrenia
Dissociative Identity Disorder
The reason people confuse these two disorders with MADD Is because Maladaptive Daydreams daydream in a FORM of dissociation but is it not true dissociation. People with MADD know the difference between reality and fantasy. Which debunks both of those disorders. People with MADD know their daydreams aren’t real and can snap out of it.
What causes MADD:?
Maladaptive Daydreaming can be caused and is usually caused by childhood trauma, Typically bullying, household trauma, abuse, neglect, isolation. And various of other things. Mine probably stems from childhood isolation/loneliness and trauma from family and bullying.
Is MADD Cure-able and can you stop Maladaptive DayDreaming:?
Like any other mental illness (Although MADD is more of an condition than a disorder) it cannot be flat out cure-able, But it can be managed! Ways to stop/slow down your daydreams:
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Isolation - A ton of people with MADD have developed it due to immense isolation and are still in this state into adulthood such as myself please! Get out of the house, I’ve noticed with many people with this condition including myself diminishing the urge to daydream with social interaction which can be why the disorder is there in the first place.
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Channel it into different hobbies - Instead of spewing all your daydreams just in your mind alone try to take that creativity and write, animate, or even keep a journal. It’s a healthy mechanism to decrease your urge to daydream. I’m also attempting to create a story to channel my ideas there so try that too!
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Cold Turkey You do not have to go with this option but I’ve notice it work for others, Stopping themselves to daydream completely and shaking it off whenever they get the urge, Personally I could do it if I put my mind to it but I probably won’t go for the route myself, But if it works for you please go ahead!
If anyone has any questions and MADD, Please feel free to ask or share your experiences/opinions! 
