Hyperfixation: The Difference with ADHD

If you've ever experienced becoming so utterly absorbed in an activity that hours pass you by without realizing it, then you're familiar with Hyperfixation. While it isn't a sure sign of ADHD, Hyperfixation is extremely common among those diagnosed. 

For people with average attention spans, experiencing Hyperfixation might just mean getting engrossed in a book for a few hours on the weekend; for someone with ADHD, hours could turn into days lost on one activity. The difference is that individuals with an attention deficit are often unable to cut off from it when needed. That means work, chores, and relationships can fall to the wayside in favor of the fixation.

What exactly is Hyperfixation?

Hyperfixation, or Hyperfocus, is the experience of deep and unwavering attention to a particular activity. Often, we think of ADHD resulting in an inability to focus entirely, which isn't the case. While it might be challenging to concentrate on dull or difficult tasks, entertaining activities can have the opposite effect. That's where Hyperfixation comes into play.

This ability for complete immersion stems from the ADHD brain's difficulty shifting gears from one activity to another, especially if the other activity is boring or mundane. That's why Hyperfocus is most common with interests that are either entertaining or extremely rewarding. 

Is Hyperfixation Bad?

The answer is both yes and no, depending on the situation. Many people who have figured out how to harness their Hyperfocus think of it as a secret superpower. They can channel it into productive things like work and school or a healthy diet and exercise. The downside only occurs when the Hyperfixation is directed towards activities like video games, social media, and Netflix without being managed. As long as you have a plan to snap you out of your focus so you can move on to other tasks, it's not genuinely harmful.

Tips to Control Your Hyperfixation

• Set alarms to help you gauge how long you've been doing a specific activity and as a reminder to move on if you have other tasks to do.

• Ask someone you live or work with to interrupt you if you've spent a certain period of time on an activity without stopping.

• Figure out small ways to make your work or school projects more entertaining or rewarding. It'll make it easier for you to apply your Hyperfocus to those productive things.

• Try meditation or other mindfulness practices to help you stay in the present moment.

• Don’t start an activity that you typically Hyperfixate on before going to sleep or when you have a long to-do list.