Individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often experience a number of issues related to their attentiveness. On the other hand, one common but lesser known symptom of ADHD refers to one’s tendency to focus almost too rigidly on certain highly preferred tasks and activities—a characteristic popularly referred to as hyperfixation.
If you’re short on time, this video by Kristen Souza, LMHC does a good job of summarizing ADHD hyperfixation:
What Is Hyperfixation/Hyperfocus?
Despite the lack of consensus on how best to define hyperfixation, it is commonly understood to represent a total engagement with an item or activity.1 This level of engagement can manifest as periods of relative isolation where a person does little but interact with their activity of interest; or, it can also be reflected as a type of preoccupation that dominates topics of conversation with others. Moreover, while the term “hyperfixation” has not been clearly defined clinically, it is often used interchangeably with the term “hyperfocus.”
Is Hyperfixation a Symptom of ADHD?
Of the many different clinical populations likely to engage in hyperfocus (e.g., individuals with autism spectrum disorder or anxious people in the presence of something highly aversive), it is perhaps most commonly attributed to those with ADHD. In fact, individuals with ADHD experience hyperfocus more often than neurotypical peers across a variety of different contexts (e.g. home, school, or work).2
Compared to a hypnotic state by others, individuals with ADHD tend to focus their attention very narrowly on a given task or activity, often to the exclusion of environmental factors. This quality can be quite frustrating for caregivers or loved ones, as a person experiencing hyperfixation may be viewed as selfish or uninterested in important activities of daily life. Thus, while engagement with preferred tasks might otherwise be considered a leisure activity, hyperfocus in ADHD can lead to significant functional impairment.
Special Interest vs. Hyperfixation
Hyperfocus or hyperfixation can occur for a variety of different reasons, and does not always reflect a clinical problem. Often considered an interaction with something enjoyable, hyperfocus can reflect a child or adult’s specialized interest. Common examples of hyperfixation include activities like video games, tinkering with a craft project, or watching TV.3 Periods of high motivation can capture the interest of some people for long periods of time, sometimes longer than they might otherwise have intended. It should also be noted that some research suggests periods of hyperfixation are also attributed to increased task performance.3
ADHD Hyperfixation Examples
The specific type or topic that causes ADHD hyperfocus really depends on their interests. That is, children with ADHD or adults with ADHD are most prone to fixate on hobbies or activities that bring them joy. For instance, an individual hyperfixating on playing an instrument may spend hours learning new chords or teaching themselves songs. Other examples often include engagement with video games, as certain types of games promote extended play for hours on end with little opportunity for breaks. Truly any activity can be the object of fixation, provided it can be engaged with for long periods of time.
How to Identify Hyperfixation
Hyperfixation is best differentiated from simple engagement by its impact on other important tasks or routines. For instance, a student committed to “cramming” for an exam could look a lot like hyperfocus, as the student is spending several hours focused on a single task. However, they may take breaks for meals, to rest their eyes, and to use the bathroom. This behavior is quite different from the individual with ADHD that may be hyperfixated on a video game. While the total number of hours engaged in the activity may be the same between the student and the gamer, the latter is likely skipping meals, missing phone calls, and forgetting to walk the dog.
Is ADHD Hyperfixation Helpful?
Research suggests that individuals who hyperfixate are likely to have better task performance than others under normal circumstances.3 One possible explanation for this improvement could simply be due to the total amount of time spent on a given task. In other words, forward progress on an activity (like learning a new skill) is likely directly related to how much total time is spent engaging in it. Individuals who are hyperfocused on learning that new skill are less likely to take breaks or become distracted—increasing their productivity significantly. There is also a high likelihood that the hyperfixated individual may experience feelings of accomplishment or success that come from such productivity.
When Can Hyperfixation Be a Problem?
Focusing on a single task to the exclusion of others can lead to problems. One category of difficulty that can arise from hyperfixation involves an inability to meet one’s own needs. Specifically, hyperfixation can leave an individual engaged for multiple hours, resulting in the neglect of important activities of daily living. This can include movement, healthy eating, and a sufficient night’s sleep.
A second category of difficulty involves the inability to meet the needs of others. As ADHD can often affect individuals into adulthood, hyperfixation can impact work and familial responsibilities. Some examples may include meeting important timelines, picking children up from school, or returning calls from loved ones.
How to Manage Hyperfixation
For individuals who are prone to hyperfixate, there are ways to minimize the negative impact episodes have on other responsibilities. It would be unfair to expect these individuals to never allow themselves to be lost in a project, as hyperfixation typically involves engagement with very preferred activities. These can produce feelings of personal satisfaction, as well as extreme productivity.
Here are some tips for managing hyperfixation:
- Set alarms: To better manage hyperfixation, the use of environmental supports such as timers or alarms can be useful to create “windows of hyperfixation.” These windows will allow for extended periods of engagement that are planned, to avoid interference with other expectations.
- Seek support: Individuals with ADHD can also benefit from social support, as they often have limited insight into their own patterns of hyperfocus.
- Educate loved ones: Friends or loved ones who know someone with a tendency to hyperfixate may need to work hard to understand that the behavior is a product of a medical condition, rather than a reflection of how much they care.
- Seek professional help: Sometimes, getting the insight of a therapist or mental health professional can be helpful. They can help you better understand how to manage episodes of hyperfixation. CBT for ADHD has been proven an effective method of managing ADHD symptoms, including hyperfixation.
Final Thoughts
Despite being a common behavior amongst individuals with ADHD, relatively little is known about hyperfixation. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms of the brain involved in the process, and how to intervene effectively while still allowing these individuals to be themselves. Seeing as hyperfixation is a pattern that can be managed, there are ways to build skills and identify supports to minimize its impact. In addition, there are a number of different support groups for children, teens, and adults with ADHD who are experiencing frustration regarding their symptoms.
ADHD Hyperfixation Infographics
