Web-based training
1.00hr

Maladaptive Daydreaming: Is It a Real Thing?

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Free

Most people daydream, maybe even every day. Certain individuals possess the ability to daydream so vividly that they can experience their presence in the imaginary environment of their creation. In some cases, depending on a number of factors like severity and frequency, such daydreaming may suggest a psychiatric condition called maladaptive daydreaming, or MD. In addition, these individuals also experience constant compulsions to switch to the fantasy several times during the day, which has led experts to believe that it is a behavioral addiction. Those who suffer from this reportedly spend almost 60 percent of their waking hours in imaginary worlds of their own creation but, without losing touch with reality, realize that it is a fantasy they are immersing themselves into. This is still an evolving area of research, and is yet to be formally recognized as a disorder by the American Psychological Association (APA), but it’s clear that people around the world are experiencing similar symptoms, causing significant disruption in functioning. This article will look at common symptoms, etiology and potential treatments for those who experience maladaptive daydreaming.

Instruction Level
Intermediate
Credit Hours

1 ACCME: Continuing Medical Education (CME)
1 APA: Continuing Education Credit
1 Social Workers

Presenters
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Mandy L. Witkin, LICSW
Margaret R. Paccione-Dyszlewski, PhD
Margaret Paccione, PhD, has more than 35 years of experience in supervisory and administrative positions as well as extensive experience with trauma patients and managing trauma-related service environments. As a licensed psychologist, teacher and rehabilitation specialist, Dr. Paccione is the...
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Jennifer A. Poon, PhD
Jennifer A. Poon, PhD. is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She completed her undergraduate degree at Virginia Tech, attained a Masters in experimental psychology from The College of William and Mary, and completed her doctoral work in clinical psychology...
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Learning Objectives

  1. Explain what maladaptive daydreaming is and the role it may play in treatment.
  2. Identify the potential etiologies for maladaptive daydreaming
  3. Identify how maladaptive daydreaming differs from normative daydreaming

Requirements for Successful Completion

For information on applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity, please consult your professional licensing board. The participant should: read this page of information; view the presentation in its entirety and complete an evaluation form. The evaluation form provides each participant with the opportunity to comment on the quality of the instructional process, the perception of enhanced professional effectiveness, the perception of commercial bias, and his/her views on future educational needs.

This activity is designed to be completed within the time designated on the title page; physicians, psychologists and licensed healthcare workers should claim only those credits that reflect the time actually spent in the activity. There are no prerequisites to participate in this activity or to receive CME/CE credit. In order to receive credit, participants must view the activity and complete the assessment and evaluation form. Statements of Credit are awarded upon successful completion of the assessment with a passing score of ≥ 80%, and evaluation form.

Follow these steps to earn credit:

  1. Read the target audience, learning objectives, and author disclosures.
  2. Study the educational content online or printed out.
  3. Online, choose the best answer to each assessment question. To receive a certificate, you must receive a passing score as designated at the top of the assessment and complete the activity evaluation to provide feedback for future programming.
Contact

Bradley Online Learning
[email protected]

CE/Credit Details

For CME and APA continuing education credits: Date of Original Release: May 27, 2021 Most Recent Review & Update: December 8, 2023 Valid through: December 7, 2025
Media: Internet Estimated Time to Complete Activity: 60 minutes

For NASW-RI continuing education credits: Date of Original Release: May 1, 2025 Valid for Credit through: April 30, 2027 Media: Internet Estimated Time to Complete Activity: 60 minutes

  • The target audience for this course is psychologists, physicians, social workers and other interested health care professionals.
  • The instruction level for this course is intermediate.
  • 1 CE hour/credit
  • This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation criteria and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Rhode Island Hospital and Bradley Hospital. Rhode Island Hospital is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
  • Rhode Island Hospital designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
  • Rhode Island Hospital is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Rhode Island Hospital maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • CEs for this event have been approved by NASW-RI Chapter in accordance with the Regulations of the Rhode Island Social Work Board of Licensure, designating this activity for a maximum of 1.0 continuing education credit. NASW Authorization # RI-9901.
Disclosure Statement

Disclosure of potential relevant financial conflicts of interest within the last 12 months must be made and resolved prior to the date of the CME/CE activity. The intent is to assist learners in assessing the potential for bias in information that is presented during this CME/CE activity.

Faculty Disclosures

Mandy Witkin, LICSW, MEd has no relevant financial interest or contractual relationships with commercial interest to disclose.

Margaret Paccione-Dyszlewski, PhD has no relevant financial interest or contractual relationships with commercial interest to disclose.

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