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Maladaptive Daydreaming at the Forefront: Research, Recognition and a New Future

  • ICMDR team
  • Oct 14
  • 20 min read
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Dear Readers,

 

What a season it has been for maladaptive daydreaming (MD) research! In just a few months, 13 new scientific papers have been published - some in top-ranked journals - bringing fresh insights into how MD connects with ADHD, trauma, dissociation, internet use and more. Step by step, science is catching up with what so many already know: MD is real, meaningful and deserves recognition.

The momentum doesn’t stop there. At two major psychology conferences in Italy, researchers presented a total of eight new MD studies to packed rooms of professionals. With presentations covering neurobiology, lived experience, comorbidity and therapy, MD finally had the spotlight it has long deserved.

Beyond academia, MD is making headlines. From Psychology Today to Her World, from Persian- and Spanish-language outlets to YouTube interviews, MD is reaching people worldwide. Awareness is spreading fast.

But the most exciting news? The first causal study on MD is happening now. In this unprecedented project, scientists are asking not just what MD is linked to, but how MD itself shapes memory, self-concept and daily life. And you can be part of it. If you’re over 18 and speak English, please consider dedicating 40 minutes to participate in this groundbreaking online study.

Finally, don’t miss the Afterword at the end of this issue: it shares a major announcement about the future of this newsletter and how you can be part of an even larger global movement for MD recognition and research.

Let’s keep the momentum going - together.


Warmly,

The ICMDR Editorial Team


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Call for participants

 

Be part of the first causal study on maladaptive daydreaming!

Until now, nearly all research on maladaptive daydreaming (MD) has been correlational. These studies revealed essential associations but were unable to answer the key question of cause and effect. The Consciousness and Psychopathology Laboratory, led by Professor Nirit Soffer-Dudek, is now conducting the first experimental study designed to test whether MD directly contributes to difficulties with memory and self-concept.

We invite English-speaking adults to participate in this groundbreaking online study. Participation is anonymous, takes about 40 minutes, and includes questionnaires and a few brief tasks.

Your involvement will make a real difference. For the first time, researchers are moving beyond correlations to explore the potential causes of the struggles associated with MD. By joining, you will help advance recognition and understanding of this under-researched experience. After completing the tasks and scales, you will receive a detailed explanation of the study hypotheses.


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Published research papers



Abstract

While regular daydreaming is healthy and normal, especially for teenagers, maladaptive daydreaming (MD) can become addictive, causes serious emotional problems, leads people to avoid social situations and hurts their performance at school and work. This review looked at all the research done so far on MD, including what it looks like, how it affects the brain, how common it is, what other mental-health problems often come with it, how doctors can tell it apart from other conditions, and what treatments might help. The researchers found that people with MD frequently feel disconnected from reality, have experienced trauma, have trouble paying attention, and show obsessive behaviours. MD is different from mind-wandering, having an active imagination or serious mental illnesses such as psychosis. Although there is growing evidence that MD is real, doctors don't yet officially recognize it, which means many people don't receive a proper diagnosis or adequate treatment. Scientists have developed various tests and interview methods to identify individuals with MD, and they are working on finding treatments. However, none have been proven to be consistently effective yet. The goal of this research is to convince the medical community that MD is real and important enough to be included in official mental-health diagnostic manuals so that people can get better help.



Abstract

Many people with maladaptive daydreaming (MD) are also diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) because spending so much time daydreaming makes them seem inattentive. However, most people with ADHD do not have MD, which makes it tricky to tell the two apart. In this study, 156 adults were divided into four groups: those with ADHD, those with MD, those with both, and those with neither. Participants were interviewed and completed questionnaires about their symptoms and daydreaming habits. The results showed that MD checklists alone can be misleading when ADHD is present. Measuring the extent to which someone experiences immersive daydreaming helped make the diagnosis more accurate. This suggests that immersive daydreaming is a distinct mental experience that differs from ADHD. The researchers propose using a cutoff score for immersive daydreaming to improve the ability to correctly identify MD, especially in people who also have ADHD.



Abstract

This study examined the relationship between social media use and dissociative experiences, including feelings of disconnection from one’s body or a profound absorption in inner experiences. We followed 216 young adults over four months to see which came first. The findings showed that heavier social media use predicted an increase in bodily disconnection and a greater tendency to become absorbed in imagination, but the reverse was not true. This suggests that spending excessive time on social media, particularly given its emphasis on appearance and self-presentation, may lead users to feel less connected to their bodies and be more prone to losing themselves in their inner worlds.



Abstract

Research has shown that maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is linked to obsessive thoughts and behaviours. But little is known about how it relates to difficulties in recognizing and expressing emotions (alexithymia) or to eating problems. Since alexithymia is connected to problems with managing emotions, it may increase the risk of MD, eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. To explore these connections, we studied 562 people, primarily young adults, who completed online questionnaires about daydreaming, emotions, eating behaviours and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. We found that higher MD scores were linked to greater difficulties in identifying and describing feelings, and also to more eating and obsessive-compulsive problems. Younger age was slightly related to higher MD. Notably, alexithymia appeared to strengthen the relationships between eating problems or obsessive-compulsive symptoms and MD. These results suggest that MD, obsessive-compulsive tendencies and eating problems may share a common emotional basis, where people turn to repetitive thoughts, behaviours or fantasies to manage painful feelings.



Abstract

This study examined the connection between difficult childhood experiences and maladaptive daydreaming (MD). The researchers wanted to understand why this connection exists. They focused on two psychological factors: social anxiety (feeling extremely nervous in social situations) and emotional self-efficacy (the degree of confidence people have in managing their emotions). They collected information from over 500 university students in Turkey, primarily women in their mid-twenties. The students filled out questionnaires about their childhood experiences, their levels of social anxiety, their symptoms of MD and their ability to manage emotions. The results showed that people who had experienced more trauma in childhood were more likely to develop social anxiety. This anxiety, in turn, increased their tendency to escape into intense, time-consuming daydreams. Surprisingly, those who believed they were better at managing their emotions were actually more vulnerable: their emotional self-confidence seemed to strengthen the link between childhood trauma and social anxiety. MD may function as a way of coping with the social difficulties that arise after early trauma. The study also points to the importance of helping people not only with their anxiety in social situations but also with how they regulate and understand their emotions.



Abstract

The researchers sought to determine the prevalence of maladaptive daydreaming (MD) among young people in China. They studied over 10,000 college students in one part of China and administered questionnaires about their daydreaming habits. They identified approximately 6,600 students who daydreamed a lot, and divided them into three groups based on the extent to which their daydreaming interfered with their lives. About half of the heavy daydreamers were at low risk, about one-third were at medium risk and one-fifth were at high risk for having serious issues with their daydreaming. The researchers decided that only the high-risk group had MD. They developed a scoring system that could accurately distinguish between individuals with problematic daydreaming and those without. Across all the students they tested, about 14% showed signs of MD. Students with MD spent significantly more time lost in their fantasies during the day and when they had free time, and their daydreams were more intense and detailed than those of students without MD. The study demonstrated that a simple five-question test is effective in identifying young people who may be experiencing MD. It also suggested that MD might be more complex than initially thought, which could influence how doctors classify and treat it in the future.



Abstract

Scientists reviewed 21 studies from major research databases to understand how maladaptive daydreaming (MD) connects to other mental-health issues and life circumstances. They found that people who struggle with MD tend to be younger, single and have experienced difficult childhoods or feel socially isolated from others. These individuals often cope with problems by avoiding them rather than facing them directly, have trouble asking others for emotional support, tend to be perfectionists, and struggle with forming secure relationships with others. The research also showed connections between MD and problematic internet use, spending too much time on social media, drinking too much alcohol and having an unhealthy obsession with celebrities. People with MD frequently also suffer from anxiety and depression, have difficulty controlling their emotions and focusing their attention, and find that stress makes these problems worse. Since MD can significantly impact a person's psychological well-being and daily functioning, more studies are needed to understand its effects on different groups of people and to develop more effective treatment approaches.


 

Abstract

In today’s fast-paced and stressful world, many young adults use imagination and fantasy to cope with difficult feelings. But not all kinds of daydreaming affect mental health in the same way. This study examined the relationship between young people’s well-being and daydreaming, escapism and fantasies about partners or relationships. The researchers surveyed 311 university students aged 18 to 24. They used questionnaires to measure different kinds of daydreaming, reasons for escapism, ideas about an ideal partner or relationship, and overall mental well-being. The results showed that excessive and uncontrollable daydreaming was linked to lower well-being. However, imagining positive things about oneself, a partner or a relationship was linked to better well-being. The analysis showed that specific patterns, such as unhealthy daydreaming and negative views about oneself, predicted worse mental health. In contrast, constructive fantasies, such as imagining closeness in a relationship or feeling good about oneself, predicted better mental health. The study suggests that not all imagination is harmful. Used in a healthy, positive way, daydreaming and fantasy can support young people’s emotional well-being. Educators and mental-health professionals may be able to help young people by guiding them toward constructive, enriching forms of imagination.


 

Abstract

Celebrity worship, where people become deeply attached to famous figures, has become increasingly common in our digital world, particularly among young adults who follow global entertainment, such as K-pop music. Researchers sought to understand how maladaptive daydreaming (MD) might influence the intensity of people's worship of celebrities. They studied 253 Indonesian adults aged 19 to 35 who were both active K-pop fans and followers of Islam, having them complete questionnaires about their daydreaming habits and their attitudes toward celebrities. Celebrity worship was measured across three levels: casual social enjoyment, intense personal connection, and unhealthy obsession bordering on pathological behaviour. The study found that people who experience MD are more likely to develop intense personal connections with celebrities and even unhealthy obsessions; however, their daydreaming habits didn't affect whether they enjoyed celebrity culture socially. This suggests that when people use fantasy as a means of coping with life's difficulties, they are more likely to form deep emotional attachments to celebrities, rather than casually enjoying their entertainment. These findings help explain how our internal thought patterns can influence our relationship with media and celebrities, showing that people who escape into fantasy worlds may be at risk for developing emotionally dependent relationships with famous figures they will never meet, which could lead to psychological distress and interfere with forming real-world relationships.


 

Abstract

Researchers studied 215 young adults to understand what factors contribute to maladaptive daydreaming (MD). They found that several factors work together. People who have trouble managing their emotions are much more likely to experience MD, as they may escape into fantasy worlds when struggling to cope with difficult feelings. Loneliness makes the problem significantly worse: when people feel isolated and disconnected from others, they are more likely to retreat into their imagination. However, being satisfied with life acts as a protective factor, meaning that people who feel good about their lives overall are less likely to develop MD. The study revealed that loneliness serves as a bridge between emotional difficulties and MD. When individuals struggle to manage their emotions effectively, they often become lonely, which in turn leads them to daydream excessively as a form of escape. MD is not caused by just one thing, but is influenced by how well someone manages emotions, how connected they feel to others and how satisfied they are with their life overall.



Abstract

This study looked at how internet addiction, difficult childhood experiences and maladaptive daydreaming (MD) are connected, and also compared the prevalence of MD across different age groups. The researchers surveyed 251 people between the ages of 13 and 60. Participants answered questions about their internet use, whether they had experienced emotional abuse in childhood, and their daydreaming habits. The results showed that people who were more addicted to the internet were also more likely to experience MD. The same was true for people who had experienced emotional abuse in childhood. Generation Z (born roughly between the late 1990s and early 2010s) had the highest levels of MD, followed by Millennials and then Generation X. Early emotional trauma may lead some people to escape into daydreams, and heavy internet use can make this tendency stronger. This may put Generation Z at greater risk than older generations, so it is crucial to find ways to help them manage internet use.



Abstract

The researchers wanted to see whether different self-help strategies could help people control their daydreaming. They tested several approaches, including thinking techniques, such as changing negative thought patterns and switching between tasks, behaviour changes, such as adjusting daily habits and routines, technology reminders using apps or devices to alert people when they are daydreaming, and environment changes, such as reorganizing living or work spaces or adjusting lighting. The study followed one person for several weeks, trying each strategy for a week at a time while tracking daydreaming episodes using personal diaries and brain activity monitors. The results showed that changing thought patterns and switching between different activities were most effective in reducing daydreaming episodes. Technology reminders initially helped, but became less effective as the user became accustomed to them. Rearranging workspaces proved beneficial, although changing lighting had little impact. The best approach to managing maladaptive daydreaming appears to be a combination of learning to think differently about daydreaming, modifying daily behaviours, and organizing one's environment to be less triggering. However, more research is needed to determine whether these strategies are effective in the long term and for different types of individuals.



Abstract

This study examined the relationship between maladaptive daydreaming (MD) and the way parents raise their children (whether they are supportive and firm, strict and controlling, or lenient and easy-going). The researchers also examined the role of social intelligence - the ability to understand and interact effectively with others - in this relationship. The researchers surveyed 222 teenagers in Lahore, Pakistan. The results showed that teenagers with supportive but firm (authoritative) parents were less likely to struggle with MD. In contrast, those with strict and controlling (authoritarian) parents were more likely to do so. Having permissive parents (very lenient) did not seem to make a difference. Surprisingly, social intelligence was linked to more, not less, MD, and in some cases made the adverse effects of authoritarian parenting stronger. Parenting style matters: supportive and balanced parenting appears protective, strict parenting seems risky, and the role of social intelligence is more complicated than expected. These findings suggest that both family approaches and cultural context shape how teenagers experience daydreaming and their mental health.


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Conference presentations

 

A symposium held at the 25th National Congress of the Italian Psychological Association - Clinical and Dynamic Section. Perugia, Italy, 17–20 September 2025

 


Abstract

This symposium presents four studies that explore maladaptive daydreaming (MD), delving into its causes, links to other psychological difficulties, and how it is experienced online. One study shows that MD is strongly related to dissociation, difficulties in managing emotions, loneliness and sensation seeking, suggesting that people often use it to escape reality and imagine better versions of themselves. Another study highlights how strict or controlling parenting, especially from mothers, can contribute to vulnerable narcissism, which in turn can lead to the development of MD as a way of coping with stress. A third study finds that MD is connected to addictive behaviours, such as hypersexuality and the compulsive use of social media, with narcissistic traits playing a central role. This indicates that MD may function as a way to manage painful emotions. Finally, a qualitative study of an Italian Facebook group shows how people with MD rely on community support, struggle to balance fantasy with reality, and often find that their daydreaming worsens over time. Together, these findings suggest that MD is closely tied to dissociation, narcissism, loneliness and online behaviour, pointing to the importance of therapy and community support in helping those who experience it.



Abstract

Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is closely linked to dissociation, emotional dysregulation, loneliness, certain personality traits and problematic internet use. This study examined the relationship between MD and these factors, with a primary focus on how individuals see themselves in both daydreams and online environments. Using an online survey of 206 young adults (average age: 22.6) and network analysis, the researchers found strong associations between MD and dissociation, as well as between MD and loneliness and difficulties in regulating emotions. They also found that people with MD are more likely to use online spaces to express themselves and to experiment with different versions of their identity. MD may serve as an attempt to escape reality by creating a controllable inner world, similar to how people sometimes shape their online identities. These insights underscore the importance of understanding MD in relation to dissociation and online self-expression, both for research and in clinical applications.


 

Abstract

Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is a dysfunctional coping strategy where people immerse themselves in vivid fantasies to ease emotional distress. This study explored how parental overcontrol contributes to the development of vulnerable narcissism - a fragile self-image marked by sensitivity to others’ opinions and a strong need for approval – which, in turn, may lead to MD. Using data from 325 participants in Italy, the researchers found that maternal, but not paternal, overcontrol was strongly linked to vulnerable narcissism. The resulting psychological distress increased the risk of developing MD. These findings suggest that MD can serve as a defence mechanism for people with vulnerable-narcissistic traits, helping them escape difficult emotions, but ultimately reinforcing distress. The study highlights the importance of addressing childhood experiences of parental overcontrol in therapy, as well as finding healthier ways for individuals to manage vulnerability and emotional pain.



Abstract

This study investigated the links between maladaptive daydreaming (MD), hypersexual behaviour, social media addiction and narcissistic traits in over 500 people. Nearly one in three participants showed signs of clinical-level MD. Higher MD scores were strongly connected with hypersexual behaviour, social media addiction and narcissistic personality traits. This suggests that addictive behaviours and MD may serve a similar psychological function, where turning to fantasy, sex or social media can be an unconscious way of managing painful emotions. The findings highlight the importance of addressing both narcissistic vulnerabilities and addictive patterns in therapy, especially for young adults, to reduce the risk of these problems becoming long-term.



Abstract

To better understand how people experience maladaptive daydreaming (MD), this study analysed 255 posts and 323 comments shared between 2020 and 2025 in a private Italian Facebook group dedicated to MD. Using content analysis, researchers identified 11 themes, with the most common being reliance on the community for support, struggles with balancing fantasy and reality, the progressive worsening of MD, and the characteristics of daydreams. Together, these themes accounted for approximately 71% of the discussions. A smaller number of posts mentioned when MD began or linked it to specific life events. Overall, the findings highlight how vital community support is for people with MD and how many of them struggle to reconcile their inner fantasy world with everyday life. While the results should be understood in the context of the unique features of an online group, the study highlights the need for further research into lived experiences to inform clinical understanding and support.

 


Abstract

Pathological social withdrawal (PSW) occurs when people pull away completely from social interactions, usually starting in early adolescence, and it often leads to emotional and psychological problems. Feelings of emptiness are common in PSW. A related issue is maladaptive daydreaming (MD), which is often used to escape loneliness, difficult emotions or hostile environments, sometimes exacerbating social withdrawal. This study also looked at “anti-mattering”, the feeling of not being important to others, which is linked to loneliness and depression. Researchers investigated the connections between emptiness, anti-mattering, MD and PSW in a group of 619 Italian adolescents. They found that both emptiness and anti-mattering increased the risk of PSW, both directly and indirectly by encouraging MD as a coping mechanism. Adolescents who feel empty and insignificant are more likely to escape into daydreaming, which in turn reinforces their social withdrawal. These findings highlight the importance of helping at-risk adolescents develop healthier coping strategies and provide insights that may guide more effective interventions to prevent social withdrawal.


A symposium on maladaptive daydreaming held at the 33rd National Congress of the Italian Association for the Research and Treatment of Learning Disabilities (AIRIPA), Pisa, Italy, 19-20 September 2025


Fisichaella, D. (2025). Maladaptive daydreaming – definition and neurobiological aspects. [Paper presentation]. National Congress of the Italian Association for the Research and Treatment of Learning Disabilities (AIRIPA), Pisa, Italy, 19-20 September 2025.

 

Abstract

Those who suffer from maladaptive daydreaming (MD) often retreat into elaborate, immersive fantasies, typically triggered by external cues or internal emotional states, while neglecting real-life responsibilities. Neurobiological factors may play a role. Hyperactivity in the default mode network (DMN) - the brain system involved in self-reflection and internally oriented thought - may explain the persistent pull into fantasy. In addition, heightened activity of the dopaminergic system, associated with reward and pleasure-seeking, may reinforce this escape, making it increasingly difficult to resist.


 

Abstract

There is an asymmetry in the comorbidity of maladaptive daydreaming (MD) and ADHD. In maladaptive daydreamers, ADHD is diagnosed frequently (~77%). But in people with ADHD, MD is much rarer (~20% in interview-verified samples). This shows that they are distinct conditions, and that mental-health professionals need to be able to distinguish between them. This can be done by asking about the content of the distraction, using the Daydreaming Characteristics Questionnaire, which was designed to identify immersive daydreaming as a distinct mental pattern.


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Maladaptive daydreaming on the internet


Hope.C.D is an Israeli YouTube channel dedicated to sharing the latest clinical and research developments in OCD. In a recent episode, they interviewed Professor Nirit Soffer-Dudek about dissociation, maladaptive daydreaming (MD), ADHD, and their connections to OCD. Professor Soffer-Dudek is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Ben-Gurion University, a clinical psychologist and a researcher specializing in states of consciousness, including dreams, dissociation and MD. She offers a unique perspective on OCD through her expertise in dissociative processes.

            In the interview, Professor Soffer-Dudek explains how a tendency toward absorption in inner experiences, such as MD, can impair cognitive control and one's sense of agency, creating conditions conducive to OCD development. This often involves automatic mental processes, confusion between memory and imagination, and diminished self-agency, which can fuel obsessive doubts such as "Did I lock the door?" or "Did I harm someone?" Professor Soffer-Dudek clarifies the distinctions between ADHD, MD and dissociation, emphasizing that dissociative traits are frequently overlooked in OCD treatment. This oversight may explain why some patients do not respond well to treatment. She recommends developing self-awareness, practicing grounding techniques, maintaining proper sleep hygiene and cultivating an authentic life. She emphasizes that recovery involves learning to trust oneself despite uncertainty and releasing the need for excessive control.

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Vazeh.com (Vazeh means "transparent" in Persian) is a Persian-language multi-topic news website that covers society, economy, politics, culture, technology, sports, lifestyle, health and regional updates. It recently featured a story on maladaptive daydreaming (MD).

            The article describes MD as involving excessive, immersive fantasies that cause emotional distress and impair daily functioning, often featuring intense emotions, complex imaginary characters, repetitive movements and the use of music to enhance daydreams. Despite affecting an estimated 2.5% of the population, MD is not recognized in the DSM-5-TR or ICD-10, partly due to a lack of awareness among clinicians and shame among sufferers. Research shows high comorbidity with ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD and autism, and a notable link with neurodivergence. Women with ADHD appear to be at greater risk. MD may be underdiagnosed in autistic individuals. The article calls for greater clinical recognition and support for those affected.

Psychology Today recently published an article entitled: What it means when your daydreaming goes astray: new research suggests the dangers of maladaptive daydreaming. The article reviews the recent psychological formulation model of maladaptive daydreaming published by Lucas & Bone.

Psychology Today en Español published an article entitled: Necesitamos prestar más atención a la ensoñación desadaptativa: La ensoñación compulsiva puede causar una gran angustia, especialmente en las personas neurodivergentes (We need to pay more attention to maladaptive daydreaming: compulsive daydreaming can cause great distress, especially in neurodivergent people) (In Spanish). The article highlights how maladaptive daydreaming is often misunderstood and overlooked, despite affecting many people and being linked to conditions such as ADHD, autism and depression. It stresses the need for greater awareness among mental-health professionals, especially given its emotional impact and the number of people struggling in silence.

Her World is Singapore’s most popular English-language women’s magazine, launched in July 1960. It is a monthly lifestyle magazine, targeting young professional women, with a print readership of over 180,000. It boasts substantial digital engagement, with more than 970,000 unique monthly visitors. It recently featured an article titled: “What is maladaptive daydreaming? Exploring the psychological multiverse that traps the mind”. In the article, experts warn that maladaptive daydreaming can mask deeper issues, cause detachment and lead to shame and exhaustion. Treatment options such as therapy and creative expression offer hope. The goal is balance, not elimination, of inner worlds.


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Afterword

 

As we celebrate this exciting time for maladaptive daydreaming (MD) research, we are also looking toward the future. The International Consortium for Maladaptive Daydreaming Research (ICMDR) is taking a significant step forward. We are pleased to announce the 2026 merger with the International Society for Maladaptive Daydreaming (ISMD).

 

This means that from 2026, these newsletters, along with many of the resources you have come to rely on from the ICMDR, will be moving to the ISMD website. All ICMDR resources, including this newsletter, will remain freely accessible. This transition marks a considerable milestone. For the first time, researchers, clinicians and community members will come together under one umbrella, united in the mission of raising awareness, advancing science and improving support for those affected by MD.


If you would like to be part of a global community dedicated to improving the lives of those who struggle with MD, we warmly encourage you to join the ISMD. Membership is open worldwide, with modest fees that make it accessible to all. Members enjoy numerous benefits, including access to exclusive resources, early updates on cutting-edge research, invitations to events and webinars, and the opportunity to be part of a growing, supportive international network. Every new member strengthens our voice and helps move MD closer to the awareness and recognition it deserves.


To find out more, please visit maladaptivedaydreamingsociety.com.


With hope and gratitude,

The ICMDR Editorial Team

 
 

The International Consortium for Maladaptive Daydreaming Research (ICMDR)

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The ICMDR is a platform for scientific cooperation and a depository of information on immersive and dysfunctional forms of daydreaming. Established in 2017, comprises researchers at various stages of their careers, from different parts of the world.

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