Have you ever found yourself completely absorbed in a book you’re reading, a TV series you’re watching, an instrument you’re learning to play, or a new skill you’re practicing, so much so that you lost track of time?
For the neurotypical person, this might be a fun way to help time fly by. But for neurodivergent individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), it can be a slippery slope. Sure, you could gain extensive knowledge or experience on a certain topic, but you could also find yourself detached from your surrounding environment and disengaged from your day-to-day obligations.
You’ll likely have heard the terms ADHD and hyperfixation being thrown around— oftentimes together. But if ADHD involves attention difficulty, you must be asking yourself how it relates to hyperfixation. So what’s the connection between the two? Let’s get into it.
What Is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly referred to as ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder. But what does this mean for the brain? Studies have shown brains with ADHD have a smaller pre-frontal cortex. Because of this, a person with ADHD will have difficulty focusing, regulating emotions and attention, controlling impulses, and executive functioning.
Also, people with ADHD have trouble producing dopamine, a neurochemical that produces happiness after achieving something. That’s why people with ADHD usually find it challenging to do something that doesn’t interest them.
Signs And Symptoms Of ADHD
The signs and symptoms of ADHD can be specific to the different aspects of the disorder, including difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Difficulty focusing and concentrating on tasks.
- Easily becoming distracted by their surroundings.
- Having difficulty sitting still.
- Being forgetful about finishing tasks and frequently losing items.
- Talking excessively or interrupting others.
Breaking Down Hyperfixation
Let’s say two people are completing online accelerated BSN programs and come across a medical condition, like an autoimmune disease, that piques their interest. The first person does the required reading on the autoimmune disease, takes notes, and commits it to memory. The second person becomes deeply engrossed in studying the autoimmune disease, spending countless hours reading books, watching documentaries, and collecting information on the topic in their spare time, often losing track of time.
While the first person demonstrates regular interest in the autoimmune disease, the second shows an intense preoccupation with the topic. This intense preoccupation with the exclusion of everything else is also known as hyperfixation.
What is hyperfixation exactly? Well, it refers to a tendency to become completely absorbed in a specific interest for a prolonged period of time, often at the expense of focusing on other areas of one’s life. When a person hyperfixates, they struggle to separate themselves from their hyperfixation.
Examples And Signs Of Hyperfixation
Hyperfixation looks different from person to person. Any hobby, object, or activity can be the focus of hyperfixation, from musical artists and actors to a specific sport, TV series, or hobbies like painting or knitting. Some behaviors associated with hyperfixation include:
- Becoming completely absorbed and losing track of time.
- Becoming detached from your surroundings.
- Neglecting your daily tasks and responsibilities.
- Ignoring your personal needs.
- Struggling to switch to a different activity.
So What’s The Connection?
ADHD and hyperfixation are commonly connected— but why? Well, hyperfixation is actually one of the key symptoms of ADHD. Although anyone can have hyperfixations, people with ADHD tend to experience it more frequently compared to their neurotypical peers.
The ADHD Brain
The exact cause of hyperfixation in ADHD isn’t fully understood, however, experts believe the connection is related to the differences between the neurodivergent, ADHD brain and the neurotypical brain. Individuals with ADHD have lower levels of dopamine so when they find a hobby or activity that’s interesting to them, there’s a surge of dopamine that provides motivation and pleasure which can result in increased focus and them performing better on tasks than others under normal circumstances.
Hyperfixating is a way they can keep chasing this dopamine rush and feeling of excitement. Additionally, ADHD executive dysfunction, including time blindness and poor impulse control, can be contributing factors. It can make it difficult to stop an enjoyable task and lose track of time.
Managing ADHD hyperfixation requires professional support and targeted strategies— from scheduling breaks and setting healthy boundaries to seeking help and support. If you find yourself easily becoming hyperfixated and it’s interfering with your daily life, it’s best to get your symptoms assessed by a mental health professional.
Thank you for exploring our Blog! For additional captivating content, feel free to explore the corresponding category.
