Deenz Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale (DMDS-26)

Maladaptive daydreaming test is the digital adaptation of Deenz Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale (DMDS-26) which is based on preliminary research and measuring tendencies towards maladaptive daydreaming. The three dimensions which this self-assessment tries to evaluate are: Imagination / Introspection, Attention Difficulties, and Daydreaming Absorption.

Daydreaming is a part of the healthy cognitive process and imagination. Researchers believe that daydreaming positively impacts one’s mental, cognitive, and creative processes. On the other hand, excessive daydreaming can have a negative impact on one’s social, personal relationships and overall well-being. Deenz Maladaptive daydreaming scale can help determine whether your engagement in daydreaming might be considered maladaptive and can measure the impact on your interpersonal relations and cognitive process.

Maladaptive daydreaming is not considered as a mental health condition but it may be linked to various mental health conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), autism spectrum, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) etc. Maladaptive daydreaming is the psychological concept, in which a person spends excessive amount of time or hours in an imaginary world. Maladaptive daydreaming does not have a specific diagnosis in the diagnostic manual. However, some researchers have suggested including the separate diagnosis of Maladaptive Daydreaming in the diagnostic statistical manual. Daydreaming is a normal part of life, but when we spend hours fantasizing and begin to love the imaginary world, we can start neglecting the social aspects of life. This behavior can lead to social and psychological problems in our lives.

The assessment consists of 26 statements and typically takes 4–6 minutes to complete. The self-assessment is simply designed to evaluate patterns of imagination, attentional difficulties, and immersive daydreaming experiences. You will be presented with 26 statements describing common thoughts, behaviors, and experiences. There are no right or wrong answers.

Maladaptive daydreaming test is intended for adults and older adolescents interested in learning about their daydreaming experiences, attentional functioning, and imaginative tendencies. Researchers, students and mental health professionals may also use the assessment for educational and research purposes. Participation in this quiz type assessment is completely anonymous. Your results are based on the browsing session, that means when you finish the quiz your results gets automatically erased. If you have any question regarding your privacy please consult our privacy and terms of service.

This assessment consists of 26 items scored on a five-point response scale. Item responses are summed to produce a raw total score ranging from 0 to 104, with higher scores indicating greater levels of maladaptive daydreaming-related characteristics.

Overall Index Score and scores for three dimensions: Imagination / Introspection, Attention Difficulties, and Daydreaming Absorption. Dimension scores are standardized to a 0–100 scale and interpreted using qualitative categories.

Overall results are classified into five interpretive ranges:

• Minimal (0–20)
• Mild (21–40)
• Moderate (41–60)
• High (61–80)
• Very High (81–100)

The results also provide percentile-based normative comparisons, it shows approximate percentage of participants whose scores were lower than the respondent's score.

Creating stories in my mind.

Visualizing things in my mind.

Thinking about things that aren't real.

Analyzing my own behavior.

Exploring my inner world.

Deep conversations with myself.

Expressing myself through art or writing.

Thinking outside the box.

Watching sad movies or shows.

Feeling things very deeply.

Solving puzzles or mysteries.

Spending time alone.

Stay on topic during conversations.

Focus due to my short attention span.

Sit still for long periods.

Complete tasks because I get distracted.

Focus on one thing at a time.

I often lose track of time.

I often forget what I was doing.

Minutes feel like seconds.

I'm surprised by how much time has passed.

I sometimes move or gesture.

I often smile or laugh.

I sometimes talk to myself.

I often lose focus on my surroundings.

I sometimes get emotional.