Escaping Reality: Understanding Maladaptive Daydreaming in Neurodivergent Adults
Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
Our world is teeming with challenges, and occasional daydreaming may offer a fleeting escape—a moment of solace where the mind can wander freely.
However, for some, these dreams become a consuming habit that disrupts daily life.
Maladaptive daydreaming, a behavior characterized by excessive, immersive fantasies, is not just a curious phenomenon—it’s a coping mechanism, particularly for neurodivergent folks facing emotional and social struggles.
A recent study published in the Journal of Attention Disorders sheds light on the complex factors contributing to maladaptive daydreaming in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and dual diagnoses (AuDHD).
The findings reveal that emotional dysregulation, internalized stigma, escapism, and self-esteem are key predictors of this behavior, offering valuable insights into its roots and potential solutions.
What Is Maladaptive Daydreaming?
Unlike ordinary daydreaming, which is often brief and harmless, maladaptive daydreaming involves losing oneself in vivid and prolonged fantasies.
These episodes can span hours, interfering with responsibilities, relationships, and overall well-being.
Neurodivergent folks, particularly those with ASD and ADHD, are disproportionately affected, using daydreaming as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions and societal pressures.
The Study: Understanding the Factors
The research team, led by Anna Pyszkowska of the University of Silesia, sought to untangle the reasons behind maladaptive daydreaming in neurodivergent populations.
Drawing on a sample of 293 adults with formal diagnoses of ASD, ADHD, or AuDHD, they explored four critical factors: emotional dysregulation, internalized stigma, escapism, and self-esteem.
Emotional Dysregulation
For those with ASD: Struggles with identifying and managing emotions were a major predictor. Daydreaming appeared to act as an emotional refuge, a place to process or escape from overwhelming feelings.
For those with ADHD: Only certain aspects of emotional dysregulation, such as difficulty accepting emotional responses, were significant predictors. This suggests a nuanced relationship between emotional challenges and maladaptive daydreaming.
Internalized Stigma
Internalized stigma—accepting and applying negative societal stereotypes to oneself—emerged as a significant factor, especially for folks with ASD. Feelings of alienation and judgment often drove participants to retreat into their inner worlds.
Escapism
Across all groups, escapism was a consistent predictor. Self-suppression escapism, where folks suppress their true selves to avoid emotional pain, was particularly relevant. This underscores the role of daydreaming as a mechanism to avoid harsh realities.
Self-Esteem
Low Self-Competence: Found to predict maladaptive daydreaming in individuals with ASD.
High Self-Liking: Linked to lower levels of maladaptive daydreaming in individuals with ADHD.
Interestingly, those with AuDHD displayed heightened levels of emotional dysregulation, internalized stigma, and escapism compared to those with only one diagnosis, suggesting an exacerbation of these factors when both conditions are present.
Implications for Neurodiverse Communities
The study paints a vivid picture of how maladaptive daydreaming serves as both a refuge and a trap.
For the neurodivergent, societal pressures and emotional challenges often leave few other avenues for coping. Daydreaming offers a temporary escape but comes at the cost of disrupted lives and relationships.
Anna Pyszkowska explains:
“Our research showed that the more internalized stigma and dysregulation you experience, the more you want to escape from this reality into your daydreams.”
Future Directions and Potential Interventions
While the study offers groundbreaking insights, its limitations highlight the need for further research.
I think that a larger, more diverse sample could deepen our understanding of how daydreaming manifests across neurodivergent groups. Additionally, exploring interventions like emotion regulation training and stigma reduction programs may provide additional practical solutions.
Through addressing the root causes—emotional dysregulation, stigma, and self-esteem issues—therapists, educators, and advocates can help their neurodivergent clients find healthier ways to navigate their challenges.
Final thoughts
Maladaptive daydreaming is more than an escape; it’s a window into the unique struggles of neurodivergent humans.
I commend this research effort to explore the emotional, social, and psychological factors behind this behavior. Our clinical curiousity not only brings us closer to solutions, but also fosters greater empathy for those who live in two worlds—the real and the imagined.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
The study, “The Daydream Spectrum: The Role of Emotional Dysregulation, Internalized Stigma and Self-Esteem in Maladaptive Daydreaming Among Adults With ADHD, ASD, and Double Diagnosis,” was authored by Anna Pyszkowska, Ari Nowacki, and Julia Celban.