So what exactly causes MD?

[Thomas]

I've had severe MD for most of my life, and was so relieved to find that I'm not alone. But recently, I've been doing some research, and couldn't find anything on what causes it. Anyone have any idea?

[Richard Quest]

I think it's a way our brains are wired. Maybe being in those fantasy worlds gives people a dopamine rush and are caught in a positive feedback loop. I've meet one or two people in my lifetime in person that have the same problem as me, and it seems for them it gives them good feelings of being "god" per se. Whenever I go out, there can be certain triggers for me to start daydreaming, like a new concept or idea that I could apply to my own little world... and soon I'm stuck thinking about it for upwards of days.

[Blair]

It depends on what kind of cause you mean. Whether there is a genetic predisposition towards it or a personality type that is linked to it is unknown. 

But the closest thing to a 'cause' would be on the psychological level; upbringing, or experiences while in your formative years. Most of us cite the need for a coping mechanism that grew out of control. For others it might just be an over active imagination coupled with relative social isolation. 

In short, I (we?) don't know what causes MD and I don't think enough studies have been done on it to suggest anything concrete. 

[Thomas]

Thanks, guys. Just been dealing with this for a while and had some questions. So it can be as simple as social isolation coupled with an overactive imagination?

[Richard Quest]

Absolutely. Mine started out as that, but even today when I have many friends, I don't want to let go of it. 

[Blair]

That's how mine started, more or less. I can think of certain experiences from childhood and adolescence, but none that would stand out as the root cause. As I said earlier, it was just my imagination and an environment for it to thrive in. 

[Thomas]

I've heard it can act as a symptom to some underlying mental disorders as well, though. Not sure if true, just something I've read. Anyone know if there is any truth to this?

[Blair]

Possible. MD is 'co-morbid' with other conditions. Odd term, but it means it commonly exists alongside other things like depression and social anxiety. It also depends on whether MD creates other disorders if it is not dealt with. I'm not sure this is the case, MD seems like more of an indicator than a catalyst. (For example: red hair is not caused by having blue eyes, and blue eyes are not caused by having red hair. But they are often found in combination.)

[Thomas]

Would you happen to know what some of these disorders that can be found in combination with MD are?

[Blair]

No, I was paraphrasing from something else that did not go into detail. But social anxiety lends itself to insular behaviour like MD. 

[Thomas]

Thanks, buddy, really informative. Will keep looking into this. Can't thank you enough

[Satchi R]

Here's a number of causes I think are connected:

1. Shyness

2.  Introversion

3.  Loneliness/alienation

4.  Over active imagination

5.  Need for a creative outlet

6.  Insecurity

7.  Events that have caused some unresolved negative feelings Example.  Being picked last for the baseball team