Everyone experiences moments of drifting into their own thoughts, but what does this common phenomenon truly signify from a psychological perspective? Dr Nicole LePera, a holistic psychologist, has recently shed light on why certain individuals engage in daydreaming more frequently than others and how this behaviour can significantly influence daily life.
Understanding Maladaptive Daydreaming
In a detailed TikTok video that has garnered substantial attention, Dr LePera defined maladaptive daydreaming as a specific form of dissociation. She explained that this occurs when individuals listen to music, watch films, or simply stare into space while vividly imagining different scenarios in their minds.
"Maladaptive daydreaming is a form of dissociation where your brain is imagining alternate realities to cope with how scary your actual reality is," Dr LePera stated. She emphasised that this mental process often involves replaying situations where one crafts the perfect response to past uncomfortable interactions, thereby achieving a sense of closure or justice that was missing in reality.
Common Scenarios and Origins
The psychologist highlighted that the most frequent themes in maladaptive daydreaming include replaying breakups, workplace incidents, or reimagining scenarios where events are handled perfectly, contrasting sharply with how they actually unfolded. According to Dr LePera, this pattern typically begins in childhood.
"For most people, this starts at a young age, where you fantasise about being part of a TV family, moving somewhere new, or even having a celebrity parent," she detailed. "This is a sign that your nervous system was looking for a fantasy because reality was too overwhelming and too painful."
The Dual Nature of Daydreaming
Dr LePera clarified that maladaptive daydreaming is not inherently negative. She noted that it serves as a mechanism to help people process complex emotions and reorganise memories lacking closure. "All of us do this to some extent," she reassured her followers. "It helps us process our emotional experiences and it helps our brain reorganise a memory that we didn't get closure around."
However, she cautioned that problems arise when individuals become excessively lost in this maladaptive state or find it impedes their ability to connect with others. "It can be a trauma response or a response to chronic stress," Dr LePera explained, indicating that while it can be a useful coping strategy, it may also signal underlying issues requiring attention.
Public Response and Clinical Insights
The video prompted numerous viewers to share their personal experiences in the comments section. One individual recounted, "Started when I was a kid. Mum would shout so much I would zone out and come back when it was over," while another commented, "But I love daydreaming. It's fun!" This highlights the varied perceptions and impacts of the behaviour.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, maladaptive daydreaming is generally considered a coping mechanism prevalent among individuals with mental health conditions such as anxiety. The clinic notes that this habit can sometimes disrupt work, hobbies, friendships, and relationships, underscoring its potential to affect multiple areas of life.
Treatment and Management Approaches
The primary treatment recommended for addressing maladaptive daydreaming is mental health therapy, specifically psychotherapy. This approach is commonly utilised for conditions including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, depression, and dissociative disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce the behaviour's negative impacts.
By understanding maladaptive daydreaming as both a psychological phenomenon and a potential indicator of deeper emotional struggles, individuals can better navigate its effects on their wellbeing and seek appropriate support when necessary.
