I came across articles about a behavior called maladaptive daydreaming. It bears an uncanny resemblance to crossdressing and describes the powerful attraction of an alternative reality. For those who wish a better insight into crossdressing I suggest you read these two articles linked below.
Some choice quotes from the articles:
He defined “maladaptive daydreaming” (MD) as “excessive fantasy activity that replaces human interaction and/or interferes with academic, interpersonal or vocational functioning”.
This wasn’t just normal daydreaming. Aside from the sheer amount of time they spent doing it, the patients found it difficult to control. It was adversely affecting their work, studies or social life.
Individuals with MD describe a yearning for this excessively rewarding activity that is reminiscent of other pathological habits such as gambling, excessive internet use or unrestrained sexual behaviour. He believes it could eventually be classified as behavioural addiction.
"And when I was daydreaming," says Bigelsen, "the reward centre of my brain just lit up, like when someone on heroin is shown drugs."
Many people who are negatively affected by their daydreams have nowhere to go other than online communities that are often "sort of enabling".
"I spent years feeling alone and scared, like I was the only one on the planet that could possibly be going through this, I was completely ashamed and scared to death anyone would find out. It's time to end that. We're not freaks."
https://broadly.vice.com/en_us/artic...3107da28bf88f8
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/...at_never_stops