DW Documentary

Superpower or escape from reality: What is maladaptive daydreaming?

Many people daydream. But excessive daydreaming can become a burden. This is because the exaggerated mental digressions, termed Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD), often get in the way of real life. Although the fantasies in daydreams can also help to organize thoughts, reduce stress, process events and wishes and inspire creativity, the film shows that ‘too much of a good thing’ prevents people from mastering their everyday lives and completing important tasks. And if the hopes expressed in daydreams aren’t fulfilled, it can even be a trigger for depression.