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Maladaptive Daydreaming among patients with Dissociative Identity Disorder:A prevalence study

Nirit Soffer-Dudek1, Rémy Aquarone2, Eli Somer3

  • 1Department of Psychology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva, 8410501, Israel.

Journal of Psychiatric Research
|March 28, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD) is prevalent in Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). At least 25% of DID patients experience MD, suggesting a need for screening in clinical settings.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD) involves extensive, compulsive fantasy absorption, impairing real-life functioning.
  • MD shares features with dissociation and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), including detachment and fragmented self-perception.
  • Previous studies indicated high MD rates in individuals with severe dissociative disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD) in a UK-based sample of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) patients.
  • To explore the association between dissociative tendencies and MD symptoms within a DID cohort.
  • To inform clinical practice regarding screening for MD in DID populations.

Main Methods:

  • Sixty-seven UK patients diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) were recruited.
  • Participants completed self-report scales for dissociation and Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD).
  • Individuals with high MD scores underwent structured clinical interviews for MD assessment.

Main Results:

  • At least 25% of the DID sample exhibited comorbid Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD); the estimated rate approached 40%.
  • Self-report data revealed a significant correlation between dissociative absorption/imaginative involvement and MD symptoms.
  • The findings highlight a substantial overlap between MD and DID in this clinical sample.

Conclusions:

  • Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD) is highly prevalent in Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) patients.
  • Shared etiological mechanisms may underlie both DID and MD.
  • Screening for MD is recommended in clinical assessments of DID, particularly for individuals with high dissociative absorption.
Keywords:
AbsorptionDissociationDissociative identity disorderMaladaptive daydreamingPrevalence

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