Maladaptive Daydreaming, Dissociation, and the Dissociative Disorders.
Ross, C. A., Ridgway, J., & George, N. (2020). Maladaptive Daydreaming, Dissociation, and the Dissociative Disorders. Psychiatric research and clinical practice, 2(2), 53–61.
Abstract
Studies on maladaptive daydreaming have identified several comorbidities, including dissociative disorders. However, no research has explored the reciprocal relationship between these conditions. This study aimed to determine the frequency of maladaptive daydreaming in a sample of psychiatric inpatients exhibiting high levels of dissociation.
Methods:
A sample of 100 psychiatric inpatients from a specialized dissociative disorders program was assessed using the following instruments:
- Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES)
- Self‐Report Dissociative Disorders Interview Schedule
- Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale‐16 (MDS‐16)
- Structured Clinical Interview for Maladaptive Daydreaming
- Obsessive Compulsive Inventory
Results:
- 93 participants reported childhood physical and/or sexual abuse.
- 33 met criteria for dissociative identity disorder.
- 56 met criteria for other specified dissociative disorders.
- 49 met criteria for maladaptive daydreaming disorder.
- 23 met criteria for unspecified maladaptive daydreaming.
The average DES score was 39.1, and the average MDS‐16 score was 33.9. Participants with maladaptive daydreaming disorder scored significantly higher than those without across multiple symptom clusters.
Conclusions:
This highly traumatized and dissociative inpatient sample showed elevated levels of maladaptive daydreaming alongside various comorbidities. Maladaptive daydreaming represents an under-recognized facet of complex dissociative disorders, warranting further research and clinical focus.
Psych Res Clin Pract. 2020; 2:53–61