Description: How emotional dysregulation and maladaptive daydreaming are related - and why daydreaming often becomes an attempt to control overwhelming emotions.

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Teaser (Lead)

When emotions wash over us like a tidal wave, we look for lifeboats. For many people, maladaptive daydreaming becomes just that: an attempt to channel, control or escape from overwhelming emotions. This article examines the profound connection between emotional dysregulation and the tendency to escape into fantasy worlds.

Emotional dysregulation and maladaptive daydreaming: trying to organise emotional chaos

First, read the detailed main article [Understanding, treating and overcoming maladaptive daydreaming]

or

The overview "Maladaptive daydreaming - causes, symptoms and help". This topic article examines the fundamental relationship between emotional regulation disorder and maladaptive daydreaming.

1 Basic understanding: What is emotional dysregulation?

Emotional dysregulation refers to the inability to appropriately modulate emotional reactions. Those affected often experience emotions as:

• Overwhelming in their intensity

• Long-lasting without a natural decay phase

• Difficult to manage or control

• Often inappropriate to the triggering situation

Neurobiological basis:

• Amygdala hyperactivity: increased emotional reactivity

• Prefrontal hypoactivity: reduced cognitive control

• Neurotransmitter imbalance: impaired regulation of emotional processes

2. Function of daydreaming in emotional dysregulation

Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) fulfils several regulatory functions in emotional dysregulation:

Emotion channelling:

• Structuring of disorganised emotional states

• Narrative organisation of overwhelming feelings

• Symbolic processing of emotional conflicts

Tension regulation:

• Distraction from unbearable emotional states

• Affect discharge through intense fantasy experiences

• Calming through repetitive, predictable processes

Self-calming:

• Inner safe space in case of emotional flooding

• Controllability, in contrast to the uncontrollable reality

• Emotional predictability in the fantasy world

3. specific forms of manifestation

In case of overwhelming sadness:

• Comforting fantasies of security and being understood

• Idealised happiness as compensation for current suffering

• Nostalgic retreats to supposedly better times

In the case of intense anxiety:

• Coping fantasies of strength and control

• Rehearsing threatening situations

• Escape fantasies into safe parallel worlds

In case of unbearable anger:

• Revenge fantasies for indirect release of affect

• Power fantasies to compensate for powerlessness

• Fantasies of justice to deal with injustice

4 The dysregulatory cycle

1. Emotional triggers trigger intense feelings

2. Overwhelm due to emotional intensity

3. Withdrawal into daydreams for regulation

4. Short-term relief through distraction/channelling

5. Neglect of fundamental emotion regulation skills

6. Exacerbation of the dysregulatory tendency

5. Differentiation from healthy emotion regulation

Adaptive daydreams:

• Conscious, measured use for relaxation

• Integration into a broad regulatory repertoire

• No impairment of fundamental functions

• Flexible controllability and usability

Maladaptive daydreams:

• Compulsive, excessive character

• Substitute for other regulatory strategies

• Significant impairment of everyday life

• Difficulty of control or cessation

6 Therapeutic approaches

Emotion regulation training:

• Emotion identification and differentiation

• Mindfulness-based emotion perception

• Building tolerance for unpleasant emotions

• Alternatives to emotion regulation

Specific MD interventions:

• Function of daydreams in the context of emotions

• Restructuring dysfunctional daydream patterns

• Transfer of regulatory functions to reality

• Dosage training for controlled use

Integrative procedures:

• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) Skills

• Schema therapy to work on underlying patterns

• Mentalisation-based therapy for affect perception

• Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)

7. case study: Lukas' emotional rollercoaster

Initial situation:

• Lukas (27) with pronounced emotional dysregulation

• Rapid changes between intense emotional states

• Daydreams 3-4 hours a day to regulate emotions

• Recurring fantasies of emotional control and strength

Therapy approach:

1. DBT skills training for emotion regulation

2. Mindfulness-based emotion perception

3. Functional analysis of daydream utilisation

4. Development of alternative regulation strategies

5. Transfer of daydream resources into everyday life

Result after 6 months:

• Improved emotion recognition and tolerance

• Daydreaming time reduced to 1-2 hours

• Fewer fluctuations in emotional intensity

• More effective regulation strategies in everyday life

FAQ

Is maladaptive daydreaming always a sign of emotional dysregulation?

Not always, but there is often a connection. MD can be both a cause and a consequence.

Can you be emotionally dysregulated without daydreaming?

Yes, emotional dysregulation manifests itself in many ways, from inner emptiness to impulsiveness, self-harm or outbursts of anger.

Does MD improve or worsen emotion regulation?

Improving in the short term, often worsening in the long term, as fundamental regulation skills are neglected.

Should daydreaming be stopped altogether?

No, but understand the function and integrate it into a broad regulatory repertoire.

Where can I find help for emotional dysregulation?

You can find therapists with expertise in DBT, schema therapy, or emotion-focused therapy online, through your GP, or via your health insurance provider.

Emotional dysregulation often requires multimodal treatment approaches. If maladaptive daydreaming is present simultaneously, it must be integrated into the overall treatment.