Case Report on Maladaptive Daydreaming: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Therapeutic Process

Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD) is an underrecognized phenomenon characterized by immersive, compulsive fantasies that cause distress and impairment. Not yet formally recognized, MD often goes unnoticed in clinical settings. This case explores the experience, assessment, and management of MD in an adolescent girl. A 15-year-old girl presented with 1.5 years of excessive daydreaming, leading to declining academics, social withdrawal, and emotional distress. She had no psychiatric history. Assessment involved the Structured Clinical Interview for Maladaptive Daydreaming (SCIMD), MDS-16, questionnaires on daydream content, Hamilton Rating Scales for Anxiety and Depression, and the Young Schema Questionnaire. In-depth interviews were analyzed thematically. Assessment revealed her MD was an escape from discomfort, fulfilling unmet needs for love, acceptance, and control. Themes included romantic relationships, an idealized self, and wish fulfillment, linked to early maladaptive schemas like disconnection & rejection, over vigilance & inhibition, other-directedness, and impaired limits. A six-month Schema Therapy plan was developed to address emotional triggers, build healthier coping, and reduce reliance on MD. This case highlights MD as a coping strategy for unmet emotional needs, particularly in adolescence. Schema Therapy effectively addressed root causes beyond symptom control. The case underscores the importance of recognizing MD as a legitimate clinical concern. MD significantly impacts young lives but is often hidden. This case supports the need for increased clinical awareness and structured assessment/treatment approaches. Schema Therapy shows promise in managing the deeper emotional issues driving MD.