Online self-test
Online self-test: Maladaptive daydreaming
Introduction
This self-test is based on the Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale (MDS-16) and helps you to obtain an initial assessment of your daydreaming behaviour. Please note: This test is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis, but it serves only as a self-assessment.
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Instructions
Give each of the following statements a score on a scale of 0-100:
0 = not true at all / never
50 = partially true / sometimes
100 = entirely true / very often
Test questions
1. music as a trigger
Does music trigger your daydreaming?
[0 - 100]
2. need to return
If an event in the real world interrupted one of your daydreams, how strong was your need to return to that daydream as quickly as possible?
[0 - 100]
3. physical side effects
How often are your daydreams accompanied by vocal sounds or facial expressions (e.g. laughing, talking or mouth movements)?
[0 - 100]
4. feeling of disturbance
How disturbed are you when you are unable to daydream as much as usual due to real-world commitments?
[0 - 100]
5. task impairment
How much does your daydreaming interfere with your ability to complete essential tasks?
[0 - 100]
6. Concern about time expenditure
How concerned are you currently about the time you spend daydreaming?
[0 - 100]
7 Difficulty focusing
How difficult was it for you to stay focused on essential or complex tasks without daydreaming?
[0 - 100]
8. impairment of life goals
Do you have the feeling that your daydreaming hinders you in achieving your general life goals?
[0 - 100]
9. control difficulties
How difficult was it for you to keep your daydreaming under control?
[0 - 100]
10. annoyance about interruptions
When the real world interrupts one of your daydreams, how annoyed do you usually feel?
[0 - 100]
11. professional/school impairment
How much does your daydreaming interfere with your academic/professional success?
[0 - 100]
12. preference for daydreaming
Would you prefer to daydream instead of socialising or pursuing hobbies?
[0 - 100]
13. morning urge
When you wake up in the morning, how strong is your urge to start daydreaming immediately?
[0 - 100]
14. physical activity
How often are your daydreams accompanied by physical activity such as walking up and down, swinging or shaking your hands?
[0 - 100]
15 Emotional effect
Do you find daydreaming calming and/or pleasant?
[0 - 100]
16. music dependency
Is your daydreaming dependent on continued listening to music?
[0 - 100]
Evaluation
Calculation: After completing all the questions, the average value of your answers is calculated.
Interpretation:
0-39: Normal daydreaming - there is probably no maladaptive daydreaming
40-59: Mild MD pronounced daydreaming - observation recommended
60-79: Significant MD - professional clarification advisable
80-100: Severe MD - urgent professional counselling recommended
Important note
This test does not constitute a diagnosis! It only serves as an initial self-assessment. If the value is above 40 or if you are suffering, we recommend
Professional counselling: Contact your family doctor, a psychiatrist or psychotherapist
Self-help groups: Sharing experiences with other sufferers can provide relief
Keep a diary: Document your daydreams and the triggers that spark them.
Next steps
If your test result indicates possible maladaptive daydreaming:
Please find out more in our main article on maladaptive daydreaming
Arrange a counselling session with a professional
Use our resources on coping strategies
*This test is based on the scientific Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale (MDS-16) by Eli Somer et al. (2016). The German version has been adapted for better comprehensibility*.