Description: How anxiety and maladaptive daydreaming are related - and why daydreaming is often used as an avoidance strategy for anxiety.

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Teaser (Lead)

When anxiety gains the upper hand, many people seek refuge in inner worlds. Maladaptive daydreaming becomes an avoidance strategy - but what brings short-term relief can increase anxiety in the long term. This article sheds light on the complex relationship between anxiety disorders and daydreaming.

Anxiety disorders and maladaptive daydreaming: when daydreaming becomes avoidance

First, read the detailed main article, Maladaptive daydreaming - understanding, treating and overcoming it

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The overview "Maladaptive daydreaming - causes, symptoms and help". This topic article examines the interaction between anxiety disorders and maladaptive daydreaming.

1 The functionality of escape: Why anxiety leads to daydreaming

Anxiety disorders and maladaptive daydreaming (MD) show a high co-morbidity of 50-70%. The link is functional: daydreaming serves as a coping mechanism for overwhelming anxiety.

Anxiety → MD:

• Avoidance of anxiety-inducing situations by retreating into fantasy worlds

• Emotional regulation through controllable daydream scenarios

• Reduction of physical anxiety symptoms through distraction

MD → Anxiety:

• Reinforcement of anxiety through avoidance learning

• Social isolation increases vulnerability to anxiety disorders

• Escaping from reality prevents the teaching of coping strategies

2. different anxiety symptoms - different daydream patterns

Generalised anxiety disorder:

• Daydreams with controllable, predictable actions

• Repetitive, calming fantasies

• Avoidance of uncontrollable aspects of reality

Social anxiety disorder:

• Daydreams of social competence and acceptance

• Extensive "rehearsing" of social situations

• Compensation for real social deficits

Panic disorder:

• Daydreams as a " haven" during anxiety-ridden episodes

• Focusing on controllable body perceptions

• Avoidance of physical anxiety symptoms through distraction

3. The vicious circle of avoidance: how anxiety and MD build up

1. Anxiety triggers lead to discomfort and excessive demands

2. Retreat into daydreams for short-term relief

3. Successful avoidance reinforces daydreaming behaviour

4. Neglect of anxiety-provoking situations

5. Increased anxiety due to a lack of coping experiences

6. Increased withdrawal into daydreams

4. Treatment: confrontation instead of avoidance

Therapy approaches for comorbid anxiety and MD:

• Exposure therapy: step-by-step confrontation with anxiety-inducing situations

• Cognitive restructuring: changing thought patterns that increase anxiety

• Mindfulness-based approaches: Accepting fear without avoidance

• Reality-orientation training: Transferring daydream resources into reality

Special challenges:

• Daydreams as a "safe place" must not be eliminated, but integrated

• Gradual reduction of the avoidance function

• Development of alternative coping strategies

5th case study: Thomas' way out of avoidance

Initial situation:

• Thomas (32) suffers from social anxiety disorder

• Daydreams for 3-4 hours a day about successful social interactions

• Avoids real social contact completely

Therapy approach:

1. Exposure training with an ascending hierarchy

2. Identification of daydream triggers

3. Transfer of daydream resources into real-life situations

4. Development of fundamental social skills

Result after 4 months:

• Social anxiety was reduced by 60

• Daydreaming time reduced to 1 hour per day

• Active participation in social activities

FAQ

Can maladaptive daydreaming make anxiety disorders worse?

Yes, through avoidance learning: the more you avoid anxiety-provoking situations, the stronger the anxiety becomes.

Should you give up daydreaming completely?

No, but reduce the avoidance function. Healthy daydreams can even provide resources.

Do anxiety medications also work against MD?

Only indirectly: When anxiety is reduced, the need for avoidance through daydreaming often decreases.

Can MD also be helpful for anxiety disorders?

As a short-term coping strategy, yes, but in the long term, it perpetuates the anxiety.

Where can I find specialised help?

Therapists with expertise in anxiety disorders and a behavioural therapy approach.

If anxiety disorders and maladaptive daydreaming occur at the same time, we recommend cognitive behavioural therapy with a focus on exposure training and reducing avoidance behaviour.