How to tell a doctor

[Marla Singer]

I want to talk to a doctor about MD but i don't know how to go about explaining and describing it to them, i need them to understand in particular why i need help -(physciatrist or medication etc)

Does anyone have any advice on how to explain it? Should i print off articles? I would really appreciate any advice anyone can give!

[Megan Lynn]

I see my new pdoc tomorrow and was wondering the same thing. Did u tell your doc? How did they respond?

[Cordellia Amethyste Rose]

I'm sorry I didn't see this and respond to it sooner.  What I always suggest is that you print off copies of the Scientific American Mind article and the most recent study done by Dr. Cynthia Schupak and Jayne Bigelsen.  Both can be found on the links page, but the study isn't printable, so if you need to print it, I can email it to you.  Be sure to mention that a real doc with a PHD has studied this and that there are thousands of people talking about it online.  Feel free to send them here.  I hope you find a doc who's open-minded and willing to learn something new.  Be prepared to explain what it is and why it's not just depression or some other condition that they've heard of.  Remember, you're the expert in this case, not them.  

[Sotiria ddd]

When I told my therapist he didn't believe me so then I asked him to research it for my sake. He did and at our next session he brought suggesstions about how to lessen the daydreaming. He also believes that the more healthy you are physically and mentally the less you'll daydream.  Which is true.  I mean when my life is on track my daydreming is cut down to a minimum but when my life is chaos, all I do is daydream.  The thing is that maladaptive daydreaming is still  so very new.  All a therapist can do is support you and help with  your other mental problems (if you have any) but to lessen and/ or stop daydreaming you need a lot of self restraint!

[Megan Lynn]

I mentioned to my new dr this morning, whom is very young so I hoped that she would have heard of md or at least be open to hearing about it, and the response I got was: 'life is really hard sometimes so it's natural to feel like you want to escape reality sometimes". And just moved on. I brought it up again, explaining that this was a very complex thing, not me just thinking about rainbows and butterflies on occasion, this is almost like an alternate life that I have created and act out not just in my head but out loud as well. She then proceeded to ask me if I ever hear voices or see things. Ughhhh....FAIL!!!

[Cordellia Amethyste Rose]

I would ditch her and find a new doc.  My doc doesn't believe in it, either, but I only see him for sleeping pills, which he gives me, so it doesn't matter.  If you're seeking treatment for it, then you need to see someone who takes it seriously.  

Megan Lynn said:

I mentioned to my new dr this morning, whom is very young so I hoped that she would have heard of md or at least be open to hearing about it, and the response I got was: 'life is really hard sometimes so it's natural to feel like you want to escape reality sometimes". And just moved on. I brought it up again, explaining that this was a very complex thing, not me just thinking about rainbows and butterflies on occasion, this is almost like an alternate life that I have created and act out not just in my head but out loud as well. She then proceeded to ask me if I ever hear voices or see things. Ughhhh....FAIL!!!

[Marla Singer]

Hey, Im sorry ive only just seen your replies. Long story short, I spoke to many doctors, even went to a mental hospital to speak to a specialist. I had one doctor who didnt really believe me, he blamed my md on my drug abuse, not really listening to me when i tried to explain that I started taking drugs because of md. Anyway, I was told that I do NOT have a mental disorder, excessive daydreaming is a coping mechanism (but an uncommon one), I have been prescribed anti depressants and anxiety medication which instantly lessened my daydreams, this is only temporary until I have worked through my problems with my councellor. As i am learning to cope with my emotions i find myself daydreaming less and less. I now confide in others and address my problems. I am gradually creating a reality that i wont want to escape from. 

[Marla Singer]

When i told the doctor I explained how i hate being around other people, I am obsessed with looking in the mirror and feel i dont recognise myself, that i pace/shake my hand and daydream when alone and have daydreams that feel a,most real eventhough i know they are not, i explained my lack of  emotions in real life and my excessive emotions in mydaydreams, the detachment i feel from my emotions and from others, how music is a trigger, how i daydream less when i am happy, and how my emotions in real life become stronger when i force myself to stop daydreaming for a few days

[Cordellia Amethyste Rose]

I wouldn't go back to the first doctor, and only see your counselor if he or she will acknowledge and believe in this because how can they help  you if they don't believe in what  you have?  Follow my advice above, and keep searching until you find someone who believes you and truly wants to help you.  

Marla Singer said:

When i told the doctor I explained how i hate being around other people, I am obsessed with looking in the mirror and feel i dont recognise myself, that i pace/shake my hand and daydream when alone and have daydreams that feel a,most real eventhough i know they are not, i explained my lack of  emotions in real life and my excessive emotions in mydaydreams, the detachment i feel from my emotions and from others, how music is a trigger, how i daydream less when i am happy, and how my emotions in real life become stronger when i force myself to stop daydreaming for a few days