Fantasy Addiction: Types, Characteristics, Health Impact, Assessment, and Treatment 

Fantasy addiction is characterized by an excessive and compulsive engagement in fantasy worlds or daydreams, often as an escape from reality. Individuals with this addiction frequently immerse themselves in elaborate, idealized scenarios or imaginary experiences that interfere with their daily lives, responsibilities, and relationships. This addiction manifests as a persistent need to retreat into these fantasy realms, overshadowing real-world interactions and responsibilities.

Fantasy addiction has various types, each uniquely captivating and potentially consuming significant portions of an individual’s life. They range from daydreaming and immersive role-playing to online gaming and engaging in elaborate fantasy worlds. These different forms of fantasy addiction cater to diverse interests and provide escapism. Yet, they share common threads of deep immersion and potential for addiction, according to a study by Pietkiewicz IJ, Nęcki S, Bańbura A., Tomalski R., et al. 2018,  “Maladaptive daydreaming as a new form of behavioral addiction.”

An intense and persistent engagement with imaginary worlds and scenarios marks the characteristics of fantasy addiction. This behavior leads to a noticeable withdrawal from real-life interactions and responsibilities as the allure of the fantasy world becomes overpowering, according to a study by Mičić B. & Musil B. et al. 2020, “Escapism: Suppression of self or its expansion?” Individuals neglect personal and professional duties, deteriorate relationships, and cannot function effectively. 

The health impact of fantasy addiction is profound, affecting both mental and physical well-being. Individuals caught in the grip of this addiction often experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and depression due to the constant escapism and avoidance of real-world responsibilities, according to a study by Giardina A. & Schimmenti A. et al. 2024, “Problematic gaming, social withdrawal, and escapism: The Compensatory-Dissociative Online Gaming (C-DOG) model.” Sleep patterns are disrupted as people lose track of time while immersed in their fantasies, leading to chronic fatigue and other related health issues. 

Assessing fantasy addiction involves a thorough evaluation of an individual’s thoughts and behaviors and their impact on daily life. This assessment typically includes detailed interviews about the frequency and intensity of fantasy-related activities, the inability to control these urges, and the negative consequences experienced in personal, professional, and social domains.

Treating fantasy addiction requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the condition’s psychological and behavioral aspects, according to a study by Somer E. et al. 2018, “Maladaptive daydreaming: Ontological analysis, treatment rationale; a pilot case report.” Treatment often involves a combination of medications, psychotherapy, and support groups tailored to the individual’s unique needs and circumstances.

Medications such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers are prescribed to manage underlying mental health conditions contributing to the addiction. Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), helps individuals modify their thoughts and behaviors associated with fantasy addiction.

What is Fantasy Addiction?

Fantasy addiction is a psychological condition characterized by an excessive preoccupation with fantasy, daydreaming, or imaginative scenarios that interfere with a person’s daily life and responsibilities. It involves a compulsive need to immerse oneself in fantasies to the detriment of real-world responsibilities, relationships, and overall well-being. Such individuals are emotionally wounded people who have a low level of distress tolerance.

Fantasy addiction is correlated significantly with childhood trauma and social anxiety, according to a study by Somer, E., & Herscu, O. et al. 2017, “Childhood trauma, social anxiety, absorption, and fantasy dependence: Two potential mediated pathways to maladaptive daydreaming.” It manifests in various forms, from daydreaming and role-playing games to online fantasy worlds, where individuals escape from reality into elaborate and consuming mental landscapes. The allure lies in the temporary relief it offers from stress, anxiety, or dissatisfaction with real-life circumstances, perpetuating a cycle of dependency on fantasy as a coping mechanism.

What are Types of Fantasy Addiction?

The types of fantasy addiction include excessive daydreaming, where individuals spend significant time lost in their imagination, often at the expense of real-life tasks and interactions. Another type involves compulsive engagement in role-playing games, where the person becomes deeply involved in game scenarios to the point of neglecting personal responsibilities. Additionally, some individuals develop an unhealthy fixation on fictional narratives, such as books, movies, or TV shows, leading them to prioritize these over social and professional obligations.

The 4 main types of fantasy addiction are as follows:

• Daydreaming Addiction
• Gaming Addiction
• Role-Playing Addiction
• Online and Text-Based Fantasy Worlds

1. Daydreaming Addiction

Daydreaming involves an obsession with vivid imaginary scenarios, where individuals spend significant amounts of time lost in elaborate daydreams. This behavior comes at the expense of real-life responsibilities such as work, relationships, and personal goals. Daydreaming addiction leads to uncontrollable absorption in fantasy, social withdrawal, and neglect of everyday life, as noted in a study by Pietkiewicz IJ, Nęcki S, Bańbura A., Tomalski R. et al. 2018, “Maladaptive daydreaming as a new form of behavioral addiction.”

Those affected create intricate worlds, stories, and imaginary characters in their minds and engage in excessive internet use or viewing pornography to find solace or excitement in these unreal fantasies, struggling to disconnect from them.

2. Gaming Addiction

Gaming addiction is a behavioral disorder characterized by an uncontrollable and compulsive engagement in video or computer games to the extent that it interferes with daily life, responsibilities, and overall well-being. Particularly prevalent with role-playing games (RPGs), gaming addiction immerses individuals in virtual worlds where they adopt and control characters to complete quests and progress through storylines, according to a study by Kumar A. et al. 2023, “Impact of Role-Playing Games on Child and Adolescents: A Brief Overview.”

RPGs provide a sense of achievement, social interaction, and escapism, which leads players to spend excessive time gaming, neglecting other activities and relationships. The immersive nature of RPGs, along with their constant progression and reward systems, reinforces compulsive gaming behavior. Gaming addiction results in sleep disturbances, poor physical health, and academic or occupational problems.

3. Role-Playing Addiction

Role-playing addiction is a condition where individuals become excessively involved in role-playing activities to the extent that it significantly impacts their daily functioning, responsibilities, and relationships. This addiction consists of an overreliance on assuming different personas or engaging in fictional scenarios, leading to neglect of real-life obligations and interactions. Extending beyond digital platforms, role-playing addiction includes live-action role-playing (LARP), Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs), and tabletop RPGs.

The MMORPG population has increased steadily, with the top five MMORPGs in 2020 together accounting for 14.5 million players, according to a report by Babalon, M. et al. 2020, “Top 6 most popular MMORPGs sorted by population.” These activities allow individuals to explore different identities and scenarios, often blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. People with this addiction invest significant time and resources into crafting characters, developing intricate storylines, and participating in events or conventions related to their chosen RPGs.

4. Online and Text-Based Fantasy Worlds

Online and Text-based fantasy worlds addiction encompasses engagement in activities such as fan fiction, forums, and interactive storytelling websites. These platforms allow individuals to create, share, and immerse themselves in fictional narratives. Addicted users spend hours writing stories, reading others’ contributions, and participating in discussions about their favorite fictional universes, Nabi DA et al. 2014,

“The psychology of addiction to virtual environments: The allure of the virtual self.” The allure lies in the sense of community, creativity, and escapism these online spaces offer, leading to excessive screen time, social isolation, and neglect of real-world relationships and responsibilities.

What are the Characteristics of Fantasy Addiction?

Fantasy addiction is characterized by an intense preoccupation with imaginary worlds and scenarios, leading individuals to prioritize these fantasies over real-life responsibilities. People with this addiction experience social withdrawal, neglect personal and professional obligations, and struggle to distinguish between fantasy and reality, according to a study by SLAAvirtual Intergroup 2020, “Fantasy Addiction.” This behavior results in disrupted daily routines, impaired relationships, and a diminished ability to engage with the real world effectively.

Characteristics of fantasy addiction are as follows:

• Obsession with Fantasy
• Escapism
• Loss of Control
• Neglect of Real-Life Responsibilities
• Interference with relationships

1. Obsession with Fantasy

Individuals with fantasy addiction exhibit an intense focus on fantasy activities, which consume a disproportionate amount of their thoughts and time. This obsession can manifest in various forms, such as constantly thinking about a fictional storyline, planning gaming strategies, or daydreaming elaborate scenarios, according to a study by SLAAvirtual Intergroup. The preoccupation often overrides their focus on daily responsibilities, social interactions, and personal goals, leading to neglect.

2. Escapism

Escapism is the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant or distressing aspects of daily life through activities or fantasies that provide temporary pleasure or diversion. This involves immersing oneself in hobbies, entertainment, daydreams, or alternate realities as a way to avoid facing real-life problems or stresses. Fantasy addiction serves as a coping mechanism for individuals to escape from reality and its associated stressors.

They use fantasy activities to numb or temporarily alleviate feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness, or boredom. Escapism provides a retreat where individuals experience a sense of control, excitement, or achievement that they lack in their real lives, as noted in a study by Mičić B. & Musil B. et al. (2020), “Escapism: Suppression of self or its expansion?”

3. Loss of Control

Loss of Control refers to a situation where an individual is unable to regulate their behavior, impulses, or emotions effectively despite their awareness of the consequences. It is a hallmark of fantasy addiction to lose control over the amount of time and energy dedicated to fantasy activities. Individuals initially intending to engage for a brief period often find themselves unable to disengage, leading to extended sessions that consume hours or even entire days.

4. Neglect of Real-Life Responsibilities

Neglect of Real-Life Responsibilities is a condition where an individual prioritizes certain activities or interests—such as fantasy, gaming, or other pursuits—over essential daily obligations, including work, education, or personal care. As fantasy addiction intensifies, individuals neglect essential responsibilities in favor of indulging in their fantasy pursuits, according to a study by SLAAvirtual Intergroup. This neglect results in declining academic or job performance, missed deadlines, or unfinished tasks.

5. Interference with Relationships

Interference with Relationships refers to a situation where an individual’s engagement in specific activities or behaviors, such as excessive role-playing or gaming, disrupts or harms their interpersonal relationships. Fantasy addiction strains relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. This withdrawal leads to feelings of isolation and loneliness among loved ones who feel neglected or overlooked, according to a study by SLAAvirtual Intergroup. Conflicts arise when others express concern over the individual’s obsession with fantasy activities, leading to misunderstandings or strained interpersonal dynamics.

What is the Health Impact of Fantasy Addiction?

Fantasy addiction leads to mental health issues like anxiety and depression due to its role as an escape from real-life stressors. Prolonged engagement, especially in sedentary activities like gaming, causes poor posture and disrupted sleep patterns. Cognitive functions also suffer, affecting memory and problem-solving abilities, according to a study by Giardina A. & Schimmenti A. et al. 2024, “Problematic Gaming, Social Withdrawal, and Escapism: The Compensatory-Dissociative Online Gaming (C-DOG) model.” 

The health impacts of Fantasy Addiction are as follows:

• Fantasy addiction often intertwines with underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and social anxiety disorder.
• The immersive nature of fantasy worlds serves as a coping mechanism, temporarily relieving real-life stressors.
• Over-reliance on fantasy worsens mental health conditions, leading to increased isolation and emotional instability.
• Prolonged engagement in fantasy activities online results in poor posture and eye strain.
• Extended screen time and disrupted sleep patterns due to fantasy addiction cause sleep disturbances.
• A sedentary lifestyle associated with excessive fantasy involvement contributes to obesity and cardiovascular problems.
• Individuals develop musculoskeletal disorders from long periods spent in sedentary fantasy activities.
• It negatively impacts cognitive functions like concentration and memory retention.
• It impairs the ability to engage effectively in real-world tasks, affecting academic or professional performance.
• Emotional dysregulation manifests as mood swings and an inability to cope with everyday challenges.

How to Assess Fantasy Addiction?

To assess fantasy addiction, evaluating the extent to which an individual’s engagement with imaginary scenarios disrupts their daily life and relationships is essential. This assessment typically includes identifying patterns of excessive daydreaming, gaming, or role-playing and determining whether these activities interfere with responsibilities and social interactions, according to a study by Somer E. et al. 2018, “Maladaptive daydreaming: Ontological analysis, treatment rationale a pilot case report.” Professionals use questionnaires, interviews, and observation to gauge the impact of these behaviors on the individual’s overall well-being and functioning.

The 2 ways to assess fantasy addiction are as follows:

• Self-Assessment
• Professional Assessment

1. Self-Assessment

Self-assessment is the process by which an individual evaluates their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings to gain insight into their condition or challenges. This introspective method involves reflecting on personal habits and patterns to identify any issues or areas needing improvement.

In fantasy addiction, self-assessment helps individuals recognize their level of involvement in fantasy activities and understand how it affects their daily lives. This self-reflection reveals whether their engagement in fantasy activities is problematic or a hobby.

Self-assessment of fantasy addiction, according to Somer E, involves activities as follows:

• Time Commitment: Reflect on the amount of time spent daily on fantasy activities.
• Responsibilities: Assess if responsibilities are neglected due to fantasy engagement.
• Relationships: Evaluate if relationships have suffered because of excessive fantasy involvement.
• Control: Consider whether there’s a sense of loss of control over fantasy behaviors.

2. Professional Assessment

Professional Assessment involves an evaluation conducted by a trained mental health professional or counselor. This assessment is based on clinical expertise and standardized tools to diagnose and understand the severity of a condition. In the case of fantasy addiction, a professional assessment would include a comprehensive evaluation by a therapist or psychologist who specializes in addiction or behavioral issues, according to Somer E. This involves structured interviews, questionnaires, and observation to determine the extent of the addiction, its impact on the individual’s life, and any underlying psychological issues. 

A mental health professional provides a structured assessment through the following methods:

• Interviews: Discussions to explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors related to fantasy.
• Questionnaires: Standardized tools to quantify the addiction’s extent and impact.
• Observation: Observing behavioral patterns across different life domains to assess consequences.

While fantasy addiction isn’t formally classified as a distinct disorder in diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5, it’s often addressed within broader frameworks of behavioral addictions or impulse control disorders. This comprehensive assessment approach informs personalized interventions to support recovery and overall well-being.

How to Treat Fantasy Addiction?

To treat fantasy addiction, a combination of therapy, lifestyle changes, and support systems to help individuals regain control over their engagement with fantasy activities is required. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is used to address underlying issues and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Encouraging the establishment of a balanced routine, setting realistic goals, and fostering social connections also aid in reducing the reliance on fantasy as an escape from reality, according to a study by Somer E. et al. 2018, “Maladaptive daydreaming: Ontological analysis, treatment rationale; a pilot case report.”

Fantasy Addiction is treated in the following 5 ways:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Medications
• Support Groups
• Lifestyle Changes

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented psychotherapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and modifying dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors. It aims to help individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns and develop healthier behavior strategies.

In the treatment of fantasy addiction, CBT addresses both the cognitive and behavioral aspects of the condition. Cognitive Restructuring involves identifying and challenging the irrational thoughts and beliefs that perpetuate the addiction, such as unrealistic expectations or escape fantasies, according to a study by Somer E. By replacing these with more realistic and grounded perceptions, individuals reduce their dependency on fantasy as a coping mechanism. Behavioral Interventions in CBT focus on developing new, constructive behaviors and coping strategies. 

2. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a therapeutic approach that encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than trying to control or avoid them. It emphasizes living in alignment with personal values and committing to meaningful actions.

In managing fantasy addiction, ACT helps individuals Accept Thoughts and Feelings by acknowledging and embracing distressing or uncomfortable emotions instead of avoiding them through fantasy escapism. This acceptance reduces the power these thoughts have over their behavior. Additionally, ACT encourages clients to Commit to Values, meaning they align their actions with their core personal values, according to a study by Somer E. By focusing on what is truly important to them, individuals can find purpose and motivation that diminishes their need to retreat into fantasy worlds as a form of escape.

3. Medications

Medications refer to pharmacological treatments to manage symptoms or underlying conditions associated with a disorder. While there are no medications specifically approved for fantasy addiction, certain drugs address co-occurring issues.

In the context of fantasy addiction, Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety that accompany fantasy addiction, according to a study by Somer E. Mood Stabilizers are used to manage mood swings and impulsive behaviors that drive addictive tendencies. Anti-anxiety medications are also prescribed to help reduce anxiety symptoms that contribute to excessive engagement in fantasy. These medications can help stabilize mood and reduce the emotional distress that fuels the addiction.

4. Support Groups

Support groups are organized gatherings where individuals with similar issues come together to share experiences, provide mutual support, and foster community.

For those struggling with fantasy addiction, participating in Community Support through support groups offers a valuable network of empathy and encouragement from others facing similar challenges, according to a study by Somer E. These groups create a space for Accountability, where members motivate each other to adhere to recovery goals and make progress. Coping Strategies are also shared among members, providing practical advice and techniques for managing triggers and reducing the temptation to retreat into fantasy.

5. Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes refer to modifications in daily habits and routines that promote overall well-being and support recovery efforts.

In treating fantasy addiction, Limiting Screen Time involves setting boundaries on how long individuals engage with digital devices or fantasy-based activities, thereby reducing their immersion in fantasy worlds, according to Somer E. Hobbies and Social Activities encourage individuals to find joy and fulfillment in real-life interactions and pursuits, offering alternative sources of satisfaction and reducing the allure of fantasy escapism. Additionally, focusing on Staying Present helps individuals remain grounded in the present moment, which can lessen cravings for fantasy to escape reality and promote emotional balance.